Digital
migration in broadcasting is irreversible and unstoppable, hence
Nigeria and indeed the entire African continent must join the global
digitalization train so as not to be left behind, the Minister of
Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said in Beijing, China, on
Saturday.
Speaking
at the end of the 6th African Digital TV Development Seminar in the
Chinese capital, the Minister said it is imperative for Africa to
utilize the platform provided by digitalization to leapfrog into the
future of technology.
He
said a successful transition would spin off benefits far beyond
broadcasting, not just for Nigeria but for the entire African continent,
adding that a timely and successful Digital Switch Over (DSO) would put
many of the country's youths to work, provide the platform for their
creativity to blossom, ensure technology transfer and create
opportunities far beyond what anyone can fathom at the moment.
Alhaji
Mohammed said it was in realization of the far-reaching benefits of the
DSO that African Ministers in charge of Information and Communication,
who attended the forum, have agreed on the need for a continental
synergy and the sharing of experiences in order to facilitate a
successful switchover across the continent.
He
said a situation in which only two African nations have so far
successfully digitalized their broadcast industry does not augur well
for the continent, hence the decision by the Ministers to work together
to
fast-track the switch over project.
''The
Digital Switch Over is a global project. Many countries that have
concluded their DSO are already reaping the benefits accruing therefrom.
Africa can not afford to lag too far behind,'' the Minister said.
He
commended the organizers of the Forum for providing a platform not just
for all those involved in the digitalization process in Africa and
China to interact and share experiences, but also for the
representatives
of the various African countries to interact.
''The
lessons we have learnt and the experiences we have shared at this forum
will definitely fire our zeal to continue working apace towards a
timely and successful digitalization. We must all build on the momentum
we have garnered through our interactions in these past few days,'' the
Minister said.
Segun Adeyemi
SA to Hon. Minister of Information and Culture
Beijing, China
June 25th 2016
June 25th 2016
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