The Nation Newspaper

Tag: VON

  • Fed Govt restores VON’s shortwave transmitter

    Fed Govt restores VON’s shortwave transmitter

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, yesterday flagged off the contract for the restoration of the Voice of Nigeria’s shortwave transmission. The project, according to a statement by the media aide to the Minister Mr. Rabiu Ibrahim will be using the 250KW TX2 transmitter at the Lugbe transmitting station.

    The Minister, according to the statement was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam. He described the milestone as a “significant moment in the history of the Voice of Nigeria, as we commence the revival of the largest and most powerful transmitting station on the African continent now equipped with the most modern, digitally compatible technology.”

    Read Also: Customs hands over N3.7b expired drugs to NAFDAC in Lagos

    The Minister expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his vision and commitment to the modernization of Nigeria’s broadcasting infrastructure. According to him, “As we take this giant step to flag off the contract for the restoration of Voice of Nigeria’s shortwave transmission using the 250KW superpower transmitter, it is appropriate to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his vision and commitment toward the restoration and modernization of the broadcasting infrastructure of the Voice of Nigeria.”

    He assured Nigerians that the reactivated VON transmitters would transform the nation’s broadcasting landscape. “Upon completion of this project, the fully reactivated VON transmitters will transform the landscape of terrestrial broadcasting and position VON as a respected brand in global radio broadcasting for good,” the Minister said.

    Calling on the contractor to deliver quality and timely execution, the Minister stressed: “I therefore urge the contractor to not only execute the contract within the agreed timeline but also to ensure that the highest standards and quality are maintained and clearly evident.”

  • FG commences restoration of VON shortwave transmitter

    FG commences restoration of VON shortwave transmitter

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday, flagged off the contract for the restoration of the Voice of Nigeria’s shortwave transmission.

    The project, according to a statement by the media aide to the minister, Rabiu Ibrahim, will be using the 250KW TX2 transmitter at the Lugbe transmitting station.

    The minister, according to the statement, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam.

    He described the milestone as a “significant moment in the history of the Voice of Nigeria, as we commence the revival of the largest and most powerful transmitting station on the African continent, now equipped with the most modern, digitally compatible technology.”

    The minister expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his vision and commitment to the modernisation of Nigeria’s broadcasting infrastructure.

    Read Also: We are here to fix VON as a true instrument of national power, says DG

    According to him, “As we take this giant step to flag off the contract for the restoration of Voice of Nigeria’s shortwave transmission using the 250KW superpower transmitter, it is appropriate to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his vision and commitment toward the restoration and modernization of the broadcasting infrastructure of the Voice of Nigeria.”

    He further assured Nigerians that the reactivated VON transmitters would transform the nation’s broadcasting landscape.

    “Upon completion of this project, the fully reactivated VON transmitters will transform the landscape of terrestrial broadcasting and position VON as a respected brand in global radio broadcasting for good,” the minister said.

    Calling on the contractor to deliver quality and timely execution, the minister stressed, “I therefore urge the contractor to not only execute the contract within the agreed timeline but also to ensure that the highest standards and quality are maintained and clearly evident.”

    He also charged the VON technical team to demonstrate diligence and competence in overseeing the project.

    Idris expected VON to continue to uphold its policy of being a pro-Nigeria and pan-African station dedicated to telling the positive stories coming out of Nigeria and the African continent.

    The minister then declared, “It is now my honour to formally flag off the contract for the restoration of Voice of Nigeria’s shortwave transmission using the 250KW superpower transmitter.”

  • We are here to fix VON as a true instrument of national power, says DG

    We are here to fix VON as a true instrument of national power, says DG

    The Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutional reform and national service, stating that his focus is on repositioning the organisation to become a true instrument of national power.

    He made this known while receiving the newly elected leadership of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), led by its National President, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, popularly known as Magic Fingers, during a courtesy visit to the VON headquarters in Abuja.

    Welcoming the union executives, the Director General praised their emergence through a 20-hour democratic process during the Seventh Quadrennial National Delegates Conference held in Gombe. He described their victory as a testament to the strength of organised labour and its role in transforming the public service.

    Mallam Ndace highlighted key milestones under his leadership, noting that VON is on a path of institutional renewal. He said the organisation is being repositioned into a pan-African and globally respected broadcaster, focused on operational excellence, digital transformation, and international relevance.

    With the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, VON is restoring its long-dormant 250KW Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) transmitter, which will enable a return to shortwave broadcasting for the first time in over a decade. Once operational, VON will reach audiences across Africa and beyond.

    He also recalled the successful hosting of the first staff retreat in more than ten years, describing it as a moment of strategic reflection and a turning point in staff engagement. The retreat led to the signing of performance bonds with directors and featured professional development sessions, including training on artificial intelligence, corporate risk management, and content innovation.

    On international partnerships, he cited renewed collaborations with broadcast organisations in China, Tanzania, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Côte d’Ivoire. These alliances, he said, are vital in repositioning VON as a bridge between Africa and the world. He also referenced recent discussions with the Chinese Embassy to support Mandarin-language broadcasting as part of VON’s multilingual expansion.

    Ndace further noted the establishment of partnerships with institutions such as the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), NIGCOMSAT, Galaxy Backbone, and Globacom. These collaborations, he said, are driving digital growth, enhancing staff capacity, and boosting operational efficiency.

    He assured the union leaders that his administration prioritises staff welfare, including the regular payment of the thirteenth-month salary. Describing staff as VON’s greatest asset, he stressed that all ongoing reforms are rooted in civil service rules and aimed at delivering measurable results.

    Addressing recent staff redeployments, the DG clarified that the exercise was an administrative step to reposition the service following the Voice of Nigeria Management Retreat in 2024. He said many staff members had welcomed the redeployments with a renewed sense of duty, noting that while reforms may be challenging, they are necessary for lasting progress.

    Speaking on unionism, he called for responsible and constructive engagement, urging RATTAWU to partner with management in ways that protect workers’ rights while enabling innovation, restructuring, and performance-based governance.

    Ndace reaffirmed VON’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the strategic direction of the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris. He pledged that VON would continue to strengthen its platforms, expand partnerships, and invest in its people in pursuit of national interest.

    He commended Comrade Kalu for his service in the media industry, particularly at the Anambra Broadcasting Service, and expressed confidence that under his leadership, RATTAWU would be a credible partner in VON’s ongoing reforms.

    Read Also: Why I adore Genevieve Nnaji – Yvonne Jegede

    The DG emphasised his strategic focus on People, Platform, and Partnership. He expressed confidence that with shared purpose and responsible leadership, the Voice of Nigeria will rise to become a world-class public broadcaster that the nation can be proud of.

    In his response, the National President of RATTAWU, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, commended the Director General for his visionary leadership and transformative strides at the Voice of Nigeria.

    He expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed the union’s unwavering support for VON’s reforms, pledging continued collaboration in advancing staff welfare, professional excellence, and national development.

  • NSA, CDS, others to lead high-level security dialogue at VON forum

    NSA, CDS, others to lead high-level security dialogue at VON forum

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, are set to lead discussions at the maiden edition of the National Citizens’ Engagement Forum on Security being hosted by the Voice of Nigeria (VON).

    The Forum, billed as a high-level national event, is an initiative of VON aimed at fostering inclusive dialogue between security agencies and the Nigerian public.

    It is also in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises citizen engagement and participatory governance.

    According to a statement by the Director General/CEO of VON, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation will serve as the Chief Host and deliver the Opening Address at the Forum.

    The NSA will chair the occasion, while the CDS will attend as special guest of honour.

    The event is expected to bring together key stakeholders from across the country, including security chiefs, civil society organisations, academia, youth groups, media professionals, as well as traditional and religious leaders.

    The Director General of VON will deliver the Opening Remarks, setting the context for what he described as “a citizen-centric dialogue aimed at rebuilding public trust and enhancing collaboration between the government and the people on security matters.”

    The Forum will feature two panel discussions. The first, titled “Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Citizens’ Trust in Security Institutions”, will examine the strained relationship between citizens and Nigeria’s security architecture.

    Read Also: Why African wealth remains trapped underground, by Maritime Bank boss

    The second session, “From Awareness to Action: Civic Responsibility in Times of Crisis”, will focus on the role of citizens, civil society, and the media in strengthening national security through proactive engagement.

    In addition, a dedicated Open Feedback Session will allow ordinary Nigerians to directly interact with policymakers and security leaders—an unprecedented move in Nigeria’s approach to national dialogue on security.

    All arms of the country’s security architecture are expected to participate in the Forum, including the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, paramilitary agencies, and civil-military relations stakeholders. The forum will also include representation from community leaders and grassroots organisations, making it a truly pan-Nigerian engagement.

    The event will conclude with the adoption of a post-event communiqué that will outline actionable strategies and serve as a policy guide for improving citizen-security agency collaboration.

  • Hundred days of resilience, transformation, hope at VON 

    Hundred days of resilience, transformation, hope at VON 

    By Jibrin Baba Ndace

    In the hushed corridors of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), a narrative of change and renewed hope unfolded under the warm embrace of the October sun when I was appointed  Director-General/CEO of the media agency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on October 20, 2023, marking the beginning of a transformative journey within the Nigerian international broadcasting corporation.

    The handover ceremony from my predecessor, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, was more than a ceremonial passing of the baton. Stepping into leadership on October 23, 2023, the canvas of change began to take shape during my attendance at AFRICAST 2023 in Lagos. It was during this visit that I paid a visit to the Broadcasting House in Ikoyi and the Ikorodu Transmitting Station which served as poignant reminders of untapped potential, urging a commitment to revitalization.

    Returning to the heart of VON, the Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, told its own story—a tale woven with threads of promise and challenge. The deplorable state of infrastructure in Lagos reverberated through the echoing hallways of Abuja, creating a stark reality that demanded immediate attention and a resolute commitment to transformation.

    Even in the the situation at the Lugbe Transmitting Station in Abuja, a glimmer of innovation emerged through its commendable solar power facility. VON, it was evident, held promise, but it needed a guiding hand to restore its vigor.

    Yet, beyond the tangible structures and facilities, the true heartbeat of VON lay within its people. A pervasive low staff morale lingered in both Abuja and Lagos, fueled by unmet claims and promotion arrears. This challenge became the rallying cry for immediate attention and a strategic vision for a brighter future.

    Organically, imperatives emerged—a blueprint for transformation. Boosting staff morale became a mission entwined with improved welfare initiatives, regular promotions, and a cultural shift that celebrated excellence. The synergy among the Board of Management staff emerged as the adhesive binding the threads of transformation.

    Active participation at the 42nd UNESCO General Conference in Paris and the World Radio Conference in Dubai were not mere formalities but windows into global possibilities. These experiences became platforms to showcase VON’s commitment to international standards and collaborations, laying the groundwork for a globally relevant institution.

    The inaugural Board of Management meeting on December 19, 2023, was not just about discussions; it was the laying of a foundation for collaborative strategies that would steer VON towards its objectives.

    Engaging with the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, defending budgets before both Senate and House Committees, and a courtesy call on the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, transcended bureaucratic rituals. They became the building blocks of partnerships, forging alliances that would secure support and understanding.

    Engagements with public and private agencies—Thunderbird, Image Merchants Promotions Limited, SMEDAN, GOTNI, NIPR, NUJ Chairman in Minna, and representatives from Dangote Group, Jaiz Bank —were not just courtesy visits. They were conversations that opened doors, created bridges, and fostered connections vital for VON’s relevance in the broader societal landscape.

    The series of courtesy calls, including those to Media Trust, National Orientation Agency, News Agency of Nigeria, Nigerian Diaspora Commission, and Nigeria Television Authority, along with high-profile military leaders, showcased a commitment to repositioning the brand and giving it the spotlight it deserves.

    Within the first 100 days, I declared that all NYSC and interns at VON must undergo an orientation program, fostering a sense of belonging throughout their stay. Additionally, strategic partnerships with the Guards Polo Club and the CEOS network Africa were initiated, redirecting attention to the external broadcasting station of Nigeria.

    And amidst all this, the stories from the heart of VON—the views of its staff—resonated with optimism. The focus on revitalizing the dormant terrestrial broadcast, addressing equipment deterioration, and seeking government intervention for the Lugbe Transmitting Station showcased a leadership dedicated to overcoming challenges and ensuring VON’s prominence.

    As we reflect on these initial 100 days, the narrative echoes a journey underway, a story of resilience and transformation. Challenges have metamorphosed into pillars of change, and strategic initiatives are carving a path toward a future where VON stands not only as a fulfiller of mandates but as a beacon of excellence in the global media landscape. The journey continues, and as the sun sets on these first 100 days, it rises on a new dawn for the Voice of Nigeria.

    Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace is the Director General/CEO of Voice of Nigeria – VON, The Official International Broadcasting Station of Nigeria.

  • Tinubu deserves kudos for shunning BRICS, says VON boss

    Tinubu deserves kudos for shunning BRICS, says VON boss

    The Director General of Voice of Nigeria, (VON) Osita Okechukwu on Sunday gave kudos to President Bola Tinubu for rejecting the country from joining the BRICS economic group.

    The founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said the president deserves the commendation of all Nigerians for not applying to join the emergent grouping. 

    At the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa, the bloc admitted Argentina, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE among other intending developing countries into its folds, thus fuelling speculations that Nigeria’s application was rejected for not meeting some crucial membership criteria.

    But, in a statement made available to newsmen on, Sunday in Abuja, Okechukwu, declared that Nigeria is better off maintaining her decades-old diplomatic standpoint as a non-aligned.

    Read Also: Niger crisis: National interest will guide our ECOWAS operation says Tinubu

    He noted that he was thrilled when the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, recently cleared the air and said,  “So far, we have not applied for the membership of BRICS. And it is majorly informed by the fact that my principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a true democrat that believes in consensus building.”

    The APC Chieftain argued that Nigeria is better maintaining her age-long diplomatic policy and standpoint.

    He added: “Whereas one has nothing against Brazil, Russia, India, China nor our brothers South Africa that make up the BRICS; however Nigeria stands to benefit hugely if we maintain our age-old standpoint of multilateral diplomacy.”

    He pointed out the worldview origin of BRICS, saying, “records have it that to spur economic development outside the Breton wood system, the BRICS, a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and later South Africa, was formed. Ironically, the acronym was coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs and 2006, the bank opened an equity fund for investors in the BRICS. The group had since established New Development Bank (NDB).”

    On the proposal that Nigeria’s membership of BRICS has economic growth as the main goal, Okechukwu argued that whilst economic growth is important, it should not be at the expense of Nigeria’s cherished freedom and rule of law, which the leadership of the bloc abhors.

    “Whilst one agrees that BRICS may engender economic growth; however neither the West nor Russia or China is Father Xmas, therefore our destiny is in our hands. And most importantly we cannot gloss over our cherished freedom and rule of law which maybe in jeopardy in the BRICS alliance. 

    Otherwise, at the last count, the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral lending institution set up in 2014, based in Shanghai, had $25bn in recorded assets in 2022, less than a tenth of the World Bank’s total,and not much economic growth was stimulated, Okechukwu explained.

    Accordingly, he appealed to President Tinubu to maintain Nigeria’s multilateral diplomatic strategy; which allows Nigeria today and in the future to operate and relate freely with all blocs and ultimately guide jealousy our national interest.

  • VON chief hails Emir of Katsina as APC praises Northern governors

    Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) Osita Okechukwu has commended the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Kabir for his patriotic approach to the tension triggered by the quit order issued on the Igbo in the North by fringe groups and politicians whose objective seems imimical to Nigeria’s corporate existence.

    The Emir, had, while addressing leaders of the Igbo community and other Nigerians in Katsina said, “Nigeria will continue to remain one and that am ready to sacrifice my last drop of blood to ensure peace and protection of all Nigerians residing in the state. I am ready to protect Igbos with my last blood.”

    Okechukwu said: “I salute the Emir of Katsina and all those patriots in both south and north, who preach peace and recognise the truism that the hardship and misery in the land today is temporary and cannot truncate our corporate existence. For history tells us that many decades after the American civil war frictions between north and south more serious than as we currently have dominated discussions. America is strong and united today, ours cannot be different.”

    “We cannot fall victim to minority and fringe groups in the south east who call for secession and their ilk in the north who gave the quit notice. Civil war is not a panacea to the misery and hardship in the land, which is temporary and transient, given the infrastructural renewal going on in our dear country.” Okechukwu quipped.

    On the rumour that some unscrupulous politicians are fanning the embers of Igbos Must Return, and indeed raising money for that, Okechukwu in a rage said, “I don’t respond to rumour, but if there is any truth in that, it becomes the business of the security agency to track them down.”

    Similarly, South- East chapter of the All progressive Congress (APC), has condemned in its entirety, the recent three months quit notice given to Igbos residing in parts of Northern Nigeria by the Coalition of Arewa Youths.

    It described it as “a joke taken too far”, just as it applauded governors of the Northern region for condemning the statement.

    A press statement by the zonal chairman of the party, Chief Emma Enukwu, said: “The attention of the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in South East has been drawn to recent outbursts by some youths in Northern Nigeria under the name “Coalition of Arewa Youths” urging the Igbos to vacate their habitats in the North on, or before 1st October 2017.

    “In our opinion, this call is a joke taken too far, it is an ill wind that blows no good to anyone. And we hereby, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise and condemn this and other outbursts by some people from other sections of this great country, Nigeria.”ý

    The statement which was released by the Zonal publicity secretary, Hon. Hycienth Ngwu stressed said:  “It is high time we all stood in one accord to put a stop to the growing hate speeches and bickering going on now in our dear country from all quarters.

    The party said, “Let us love all and hate none, as love is the panacea to peaceful co-existence, economic and social growth. We have faith in the ability of the APC led Federal Government to safeguard lives and property of all Nigerians living within Nigeria.

    “Consequently, we urge all Igbos living in any part of Nigeria to go about their normal businesses without fear, but in loving disposition toward their neighbor and environment.

    “We hereby thank the Governors of the Northern States of Nigeria for their quick condemnation of this act by the Coalition of Arewa Youths. We particularly, thank the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal for his love to the Igbos in this trying period.”

  • VON chief hails Emir of Katsina as APC praises Northern governors

    Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) Osita Okechukwu has commended the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Kabir for his uncommon patriotism in the face of unfortunate crisis being simulated by fringe groups and politicians whose objective is personal and imimical to our collective existence.

    The Emir, had, while addressing leaders of the Igbo community and other Nigerians residing in Katsina said, “Nigeria will continue to remain one and that am ready to sacrifice my last drop of blood to ensure peace and protection of all Nigerians residing in the state. I am ready to protect Igbos with my last blood.”

    Okechukwu said: “I salute the Emir of Katsina and all those patriots in both south and north, who preach peace and recognise the truism that the hardship and misery in the land today is temporary and cannot truncate our corporate existence. For history tells us that many decades after the American civil war frictions between north and south more serious than as we currently have dominated discussions. America is strong and united today, ours cannot be different.”

    “We cannot fall victim to minority and fringe groups in the south east who call for secession and their ilk in the north who gave the quit notice. Civil war is not a panacea to the misery and hardship in the land, which is temporary and transient, given the infrastructural renewal going on in our dear country.” Okechukwu quipped.

    On the rumour that some unscrupulous politicians are fanning the embers of Igbos Must Return, and indeed raising money for that, Okechukwu in a rage said, “I don’t respond to rumour, but if there is any truth in that, it becomes the business of the security agency to track them down.”

    Similarly, South- East chapter of the All progressive Congress (APC), has condemned in its entirety, the recent three months quit notice given to Igbos residing in parts of Northern Nigeria by the Coalition of Arewa Youths.

    It described it as “a joke taken too far”, just as it applauded governors of the Northern region for condemning the statement.

    A press statement by the zonal chairman of the party, Chief Emma Enukwu, said: “The attention of the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in South East has been drawn to recent outbursts by some youths in Northern Nigeria under the name “Coalition of Arewa Youths” urging the Igbos to vacate their habitats in the North on, or before 1st October 2017.

    “In our opinion, this call is a joke taken too far, it is an ill wind that blows no good to anyone. And we hereby, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise and condemn this and other outbursts by some people from other sections of this great country, Nigeria.”ý

    The statement which was released by the Zonal publicity secretary, Hon. Hycienth Ngwu stressed said:  “It is high time we all stood in one accord to put a stop to the growing hate speeches and bickering going on now in our dear country from all quarters.

    The party said, “Let us love all and hate none, as love is the panacea to peaceful co-existence, economic and social growth. We have faith in the ability of the APC led Federal Government to safeguard lives and property of all Nigerians living within Nigeria.

    “Consequently, we urge all Igbos living in any part of Nigeria to go about their normal businesses without fear, but in loving disposition toward their neighbor and environment.

    “We hereby thank the Governors of the Northern States of Nigeria for their quick condemnation of this act by the Coalition of Arewa Youths. We particularly, thank the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal for his love to the Igbos in this trying period.”

  • VON DG scores Buhari high

    The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for building a foundation for Nigeria’s resurgence.

    In a statement in Enugu, Okechukwu noted that the Buhari Social Revolution (BSR) has resulted in the sanitisation of corrupt institutions, revamping of solid minerals, innovation of ICT, and repositioning of the agricultural sector for enhanced productivity.

    Okechukwu faulted those who used the abject poverty, hunger and gross unemployment ravaging the country to score Buhari low, saying they neither cared about those who stimulated the woes, nor credit Buhari with the efforts and enabling environment put in place to upgrade agriculture and stop the importation of food.

    The statement reads: “Buhari did not invent the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Biometric Verification Number (BVN) or the Whistleblower policy yet he gave them life as an effective and potent anti-graft arsenal.

    “If Nigeria is a country where records are kept and timely reported, billions of Naira saved by these anti-graft instruments could have been mind-boggling.

    “How many of the critics of the regime will remember that at the inception of his regime, Buhari, instead of pursuing new projects to make name, doled out billions for the payment of salary and pensions arrears owed by the state governments? As a pro-people ideologue, he said workers’ welfare should come first, as some states owed over ten months.

    “As a result, many lives were saved, vindicating the position of the 1999 Constitution that the welfare and security of the people is the primary purpose of government.”

    He maintained that in rating Buhari, his critics forgot he was not instrumental to the slump in oil prices and accordingly our misery.

    Okechukwu acknowledged Buhari’s zeal for continuation of old projects, thereby returning thousands of workers back to work. He added that from day one, the president mandated his men to complete ongoing projects before awarding new ones to avoid abandoned projects.

  • VON targets brand new car for Nigerian families

    The Managing Director of Volkswagen of Nigeria (VON), a subsidiary of the Stallion Group, Mr. Tokunbo Aromolaran has said that his organisation’s target is to have Nigerians own and ride in brand new cars within the shortest possible time.

    He made this statement when he received members of the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Bureau of Private Enterprise who visited the company’s plant in Lagos last week.

    Aromolaran is of the opinion that when Nigerians buy brand new wholly locally assembled cars, automobile companies like VON, will increase volumes of production and prices per unit will become more affordable.

    To underline his point, the MD said the VON plant has the capacity to produce 45,000 units of cars in one shift and 90,000 in two shifts, but revealed that it only produces 4,000 units currently and barely 400,000 per annum. He said the number of vehicles produced is so small, with the running cost of the establishment coming back on the few vehicles produced. The implication, he stressed, is that cost of production and the prices of the cars shoot up.

    He therefore called on the visiting team of visitors, led by its Chairman, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, to come to the aid of local auto manufacturing companies, by shutting the doors against fairly used vehicles, otherwise known as Tokunbo.

    To further underline the decline in the auto market, he said the demand for cars has systematically dropped from 600,000 in the previous year to 350,000 last year and down to about half of that figure this year.

    In his response, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce asked VON to make their cars affordable to the average working class Nigerian first, insisting that they are his constituency first and foremost before even the private sector, which he admits, is his background.

    He urged VON to come up with a flexible and affordable payment plan probably of 10 per cent down payment, with the instalment spread over seven years, as is done in America and other competitive markets. Citing the Hyundai i10, the cheapest car in the Volkswagen range, which sells for N2.6million, Senator Murray-Bruce said it is practically impossible for the average Nigerian worker to come up with the current 25% down payment of N650,000 and a further spread of the balance to be paid at N72,000 monthly over three years.

    His position was corroborated by the group of journalists on ground to cover the meeting.

    At 10% down payment, the Senator said a buyer will be required to pay as little as N260,000 and a further spread of the balance in N27,000 monthly instalment (minus interest) to be paid over seven years. He also asked for a corresponding duration of warranty, adding that when this is done, he will personally lead the campaign to shut the borders against used vehicles to the highest government level.

    As a mark of its readiness to go by the suggested payment plan, he urged the MD to do a raffle for one of the journalists on ground to go home with one of the Hyundai i10 cars, which was promptly conducted and Gboyega Alaka of The Nation emerged the lucky winner.

    Senator Murray-Bruce, while congratulating VON and its parent company, Stallion Group on their effort, urged them to consider switching to energy saving cars in the nearest future.