Rivers govt expects state television to achieve fiscal self-reliance as RSTV marks 41

…As GM points to God as pillar for every civil servant

As the Rivers State television station (RSTV) clocks 41, the parent government expects the station to achieve fiscal self-reliance. This seemed to be the highpoint of the message of Honour Sirawoo, permanent secretary, Ministry of Information, who is believed to have conveyed the mind of the state government.

Honour, a onetime staff of the RSTV, onetime press secretary to the deputy governor, etc, was the highest government official that graced the 41st anniversary in the absence of a commissioner of information in the state at the moment.

In the face of outcries by stakeholders including Kennedy Tonjo West, President of the Movement for the survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), for the government to revamp its media outfits especially the RSTV, the government voice said: “Waiting for government intervention or relying on external policy is a failing strategy. Economic climates are volatile, and government policies shift without warning. Instead, we must begin treating our collective network as our greatest asset.”

Sieawoo said the path forward is internal revenue generation. “We have already laid the groundwork by leveraging our national network and deploying a new digital platform that has successfully generated sustainable, internal capital. He said the primary focus must be on what they can build and monetize.

He said the future mandate is a call for total ownership. “For those seeking immediate, effortless benefits, a fundamental misunderstanding of this organization’s architecture exists.

“We are building a self-sustaining entity. This requires every member to bring forward actionable ideas, prioritize internal revenue, and work relentlessly to elevate this station. True influence and stability will not be handed to us; they will be built by our own hands.”

Paul Damgbor, the General Manager, who said he would be retiring in two weeks time, said his joining RSTV was an act of providence as God used George Izunwa, a pastor, to get him in. “My advice to the staff here is, allow God be part of your civil service journey. I donate Pastor George Izunwa to the RSTV. He is a trusted man of God.”

In his exhortation, Izunwa of Gateway International Church, said every endeavour or success needs help, and that help from God is the highest. He said it commands audience. “So, focus on getting help. Be humble to attract help. Be somebody’s help.”

Chinyere Nwoga, president of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), said millions listen to the RSTV due to resilient men and women dedicated to service.

The event witnessed awards to past general managers as well as important member of the society.