Okonjo-Iweala backs Bloomberg TV’s operation in Nigeria

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has
expressed her support for the recent inauguration of the
Bloomberg TV Africa in the country.
During the North American launch of Bloomberg TV
Africa in Washington DC, Okonjo-Iweala said the
establishment of the media unit in Nigeria was a
welcome addition to the country’s growing economy.
“This will be the first station – TV station – from
abroad to be based in Nigeria and I think you’ve got it
right,” the minister said, according to a Bloomberg
statement.
Addressing an audience of 70 delegates, who were in
Washington DC to attend the World Bank-International
Monetary Fund annual meetings, she commended the
Bloomberg Media Group for having the foresight to base
its production and operational hub in Nigeria.
She added, “I want to say to all who are not in Nigeria
that if you’re not in Nigeria, you’re not in Africa; so, I
think Bloomberg TV has got it right.”
The Chairman, Bloomberg Media Group, Mr. Andy Lack,
expressed excitement at his organisation’s plans for the
Nigerian market.
He said, “We at Bloomberg believe in Nigeria, its people
and its role in the developing African growth story. Our
partnership with the Nigeria-based Optima Media Group
has enabled us to develop a platform for Africa’s
growing business and financial community that will
significantly extend our presence across the continent.”
The Chairman, Optima Media Group and Vice-Chairman
of Bloomberg TV Africa, Mr. Rotimi Pedro, said,
“Bloomberg TV Africa will deliver the highest quality
news and business programming that will empower
Africans to tell their story from their own perspectives.
“We aim to provide relevant and up-to-date information
to enable African business leaders to make informed
business and investment decisions.”
According to the statement, the event was attended by
several personalities, including the President, African
Development Bank, Dr. Donald Kaberuka; the Group
Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; and
Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Alex Otti.
Others were Executive Director, Heritage Bank, Mrs.
Mary Akpobome, and a representative of the Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, among
others.
The North America launch of Bloomberg TV Africa is the
first in a series of launches, according to the statement.
It said further events would be held in Kenya, South
Africa and Nigeria.
Bloomberg TV Africa is expected to begin full operations
from its Lagos hub in the first quarter of 2014, with
three to four hours of business programming available
to African viewers each day.