The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has inaugurated a new private FM station in Jos, Tin City 104.3FM, with a plea to private media organisations to use descent language and be fair.
Mohammed, who was represented by Paul Dama, the Director of the National Press Centre, said government encouraged the establishment of broadcast outfits to create opportunities for employment.
Mohammed said: “We encourage the establishment of broadcast outfits to create opportunities for employment; they must however meet the conditions required.”
He cautioned the station against creating ethno-religious divide, which he said was detrimental to the development of any society.
Governor Simon Lalong commended the founder of the station, Rev. Fr. Martin Dama, saying it would add value to the people through enlightenment and giving voice to the voiceless.
Lalong, who said that Plateau State had suffered ethno-religious conflict, leading to exit of investors, urged the station to help in rebuilding the people’s confidence.
The governor said the rebuilding of the people’s confidence was necessary to attract investors and development to the state.
Lalong noted: “We want the TinCity FM to be our partners in building peace and confidence to the public thus promoting development.
“I also learnt that the Rev. Fr. Martin Dama is establishing an Agro Radio Station also in Shendam Local Government Area.
“We will enjoin him to extend such gesture to other senatorial zones in the state.”
Earlier, Dama said the station was established to create more platforms for needs assessment for the people.
He acknowledged the assistance of relevant authorities in making his dream a reality and promised to adhere to the media code of ethics.