“Bayelsans Are Not Lazy!” King Dakolo Explodes, Backs Naija Live TV’s Ambition To Challenge CNN On The Global Stage!
By Passman Akpos
The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, has predicted a bright future for Naija Live TV, expressing confidence that the media organisation could become one of the best media outfits in the world if it sustains its vision, strategic plans and professionalism.
The monarch made the prediction on Wednesday when the management and staff of Naija Live TV, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Saint Mienpamo, paid him a courtesy visit at the Traditional Rulers’ Council Secretariat in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Dakolo, the Agada IV and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, expressed delight over the visit, describing the media organisation as an example of young Bayelsans determined to challenge the long-standing negative perception that Bayelsans are lazy.
He commended the creativity, resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by the management of Naija Live TV, which reportedly has over 30 million followers across various social media platforms.
The traditional ruler, however, urged the organisation to approach its operations with seriousness, business discipline and a long-term vision, stressing that sustainability should remain a major priority.
“I advise you to see your organisation as a serious business and let it be executed as one. I don’t want to hear that after ten or twenty years, this organisation is no more,” Dakolo said.
Drawing comparisons with internationally recognised media organisations, the monarch noted that CNN started as a privately owned media outfit and encouraged Naija Live TV to build a legacy that would outlive its founders.
“The CNNs of this world did not start in any way better. CNN has been a private media organisation from day-one. We have a lot of private outfits that have survived for decades, even when the founders are dead, their successors are running them. That is what I pray for you,” he stated.
Dakolo also charged the management and staff of Naija Live TV to pursue dedication, expertise, professionalism and excellence in their respective fields, insisting that age should never be a barrier to achieving greatness.
He challenged journalists and media professionals within the organisation to constantly evaluate their performance and strive to become the best in their respective professions.
“Always ask yourselves, if I am a journalist, am I the best journalist in town? If I am a mass communicator, am I the best mass communicator in town? You should be. It doesn’t matter your age,” the monarch added.
The Bayelsa traditional ruler further lamented that many people in the state had remained economically disadvantaged despite the enormous natural resources available to the region, attributing the situation partly to a lack of innovative thinking.
He reaffirmed his willingness to provide traditional and intellectual guidance to individuals and organisations committed to development.
NAIJA LIVE TV TARGETS SATELLITE BROADCASTING
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Naija Live TV, Saint Mienpamo, expressed appreciation to the monarch for the warm reception accorded the management and staff during the visit.
Mienpamo explained that the visit was aimed at seeking royal blessings and benefiting from the monarch’s wealth of traditional and intellectual knowledge as the organisation prepares for major developments.
Describing Dakolo as a prolific writer who has authored several books on the oppression and marginalisation of the Niger Delta, the CEO said Naija Live TV was eager to tap into the monarch’s intellectual contributions and traditional wisdom.
He disclosed that the media organisation was making significant progress towards launching Naija Live TV on the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) platform.
According to him, arrangements for the satellite channel have reached an advanced stage, adding that the monarch would be informed of the official launch.
Mienpamo also revealed plans for the commissioning of the Naija Live TV headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as part of efforts to strengthen the organisation’s operations and expand its broadcasting reach.
The CEO further disclosed that Naija Live TV, which boasts over 30 million followers across social media platforms, has employed approximately 48 personnel, with the majority of its workforce being Bayelsans.
He said the organisation would remain committed to promoting Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region on the global stage through media visibility and impactful journalism.
In attendance during the courtesy visit was the Editor-in-Chief of Naija Live TV and former Director in the Bayelsa State Ministry of Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mr. Chris Odi, alongside other members of the organisation’s management and staff.
