The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, has challenged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of hardwork and honesty in their various fields of endeavor to complement government’s developmental efforts.
Maku said this in Abuja on Monday at the inauguration of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) digital studio, which has been named after famous broadcaster and former staff of the organisation, Mrs Stella Bassey.
He said society had a way of not forgetting those who had distinguished themselves toward the development of the country.
The minister said the decision of VON management to name the new digital studio after Bassey should serve as encouragement to others still serving the country in one way or the other.
“This is to say that those who serve this nation honestly and sincerely would not be forgotten and this is the reason why today she is being honoured by this studio being named after her.
?“Let this decision of the Voice of Nigeria encourage those who are presently on the pay roll of our various parastatals to work hard and to remember that? it is not only when you are working here that you will be remembered but that those who have sincerely put in their best, society will continue to remember them.”
Maku said that it was the wish of government that its investments in the public information sector worked for the development of the entire country.
Speaking earlier in his opening address, Director-General of VON, Mallam Abubakar Jijiwa, paid glowing tribute to Bassey.
He said that apart from its tradition of naming some of its facilities after distinguished Nigerians, VON was committed to the dissemination of information about Nigeria to people around the world using its ultra-modern facilities.
The DG further said that the decision to name the new Abuja digital studio after Stella Bassey was informed by her contributions to the growth of VON.
?“We believe in what our national anthem says, the labour of our heroes shall not be in vain; therefore we want to celebrate those who served our country in their own individual capacities and professional capacities.”
Mr Ajibola Yusuf, acting Director of Programmes, VON, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview that Bassey deserved the honour.
He said her contributions were central to the creation of the Voice of Nigeria and for what had been achieved at the organisation.
According to him, Bassey instilled discipline and professionalism in the production of programmes at VON.
“She worked so tirelessly she had this belief and strong conviction that voice of Nigeria should stand on its own.
“She was a complete professional; she was a presenter; she was a producer; she was so dedicated and hardworking.”
NAN reports that the event was attended by the Managing Director of NAN, Mrs Oluremi Oyo, and the directors-general of VON, NTA, FRCN, and NBC.?