Bayelsa state government has said that it would instutionalise the hosting of the Nigeria Broadcasting Award (NIBRA), adding that the state was gradually becoming the entertainment leisure of not only Niger Delta region, but the entire country, “having hosted in 2013 four international events such as the Africa Movie Academy Award, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant, Jazz Festival and CAAN which attracted local and foreign entertainment stakeholders to Bayelsa state.”
Governor Seriake Dickson stated this at the Maiden Nigerian Broadcasting Award (NIBRA) held in Yenagoa, at the weekend.
According to him, Bayelsa state has become synonymous with Tourism and Leisure Haven and the choice of the state was appropriate.
“In 2013, Bayelsa state hosted international events such as AMMA, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant, JAZZ Night and CAAN, and in a short while AMMA will berth,” he said.
He stressed that the broadcasting industry which started about five decades ago has joined hands with relevant stakeholders to contribute to the development, promotion and cultural heritage.
He also reiterated the state’s avowed commitment to partner with the broadcasting industry “because it has not relented in informing, entertaining and educating the populace and extolled the eloquent testimony of BON” and urged it continue to sustain professionalism in the industry.
Also speaking, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, who also presented awards to recipients, stressed the nation’s commitment to using culture, tourism and arts as veritable tools to launder the country’s image to the international community and assured BON of the ministry’s collaboration.
