Lai Mohammed Seeks Partnership Between BBC & FRCN

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has solicited a robust partnership between the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

Mahammed made the call during a visit to the BBC headquarters in London on Friday.

He explained that the partnership will build the capacity of FRCN staff and enhance their efficiency.

In a statement on the visit by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Segun Adeyemi, the Minister said the kind of capacity building he was advocating must be ”inclusive”, leading to a change in the orientation of the FRCN staff.

”An authentic programme that is suitable for our (FRCN) operation must be developed,” he said.

He stressed the need for a leadership re-orientation for news gatekeepers in the corporation.

Mohammed also urged the BBC to be ”more positive about your coverage” and to hear all the sides, including that of the government, instead of hearing just one side.

BBC’s Director of News and Current Affairs, James Harding, suggested a gathering of the Editorial leadership of both the BBC and the FRCN to explore possible areas of cooperation.

Director-General of FRCN, Mansur Liman, who accompanied the Minister said the corporation required training for its staff, especially journalistic training, as well as technology upgrade.

The Minister and his delegation were taken on a guided tour of the sprawling BBC headquarters.