The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has elected new leaders to guide the organization through a critical period of policy negotiations and industry challenges.
In an Emergency Extra-Ordinary General Meeting held on Friday, August 30, IBAN members unanimously elected a new Executive Council. Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan was named Chairman, with Tony Dara as Vice Chairman. The new General Secretary is Charles Maraizu Daniels, and Kadaria Ahmed will serve as Treasurer. Greg Odutayo has been appointed as Publicity Secretary.
Other key positions filled include, Habib Fasinro as Legal Adviser; Fidelis Duker as Welfare/Logistics Officer; Chinyere Igwe as Chairman of the South-South Zone; Azubuike Oshimili as Auditor; Christabel Cosmos as Chairman of the South-East Zone and Alhaji Shittu as Chairman of the North Central Zone.
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Additionally, the Board of Trustees (BOT) was reconstituted under the leadership of John Momoh as Chairman with the following members: Osa Sonny Adun; Raymond Dokpesi Jnr; Ben Bruce; Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa; Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan; Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed; Tony Dara; Toun Okenwale and Tatiana Mousali.
In a statement, Dr. Ramalan announced that IBAN plans to engage in urgent discussions with government officials to address significant industry issues. These include the controversial 2.5% levy at source, the Digital Switch Over (DSO), and the proposed shift from gross to net income calculations.
Ramalan said, “We are seeking an urgent meeting with the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris. Our goal is to resolve issues related to the DSO implementation, the 2.5% levy at source, and to request a waiver. We also call for an immediate review of the NBC Code by all stakeholders to address our concerns about the gross-to-net income amendment.”
He added, “Our meeting will also discuss the recent actions of the NBC DG in the context of the current economic situation and government policies. Should these discussions fail to resolve the issues, IBAN is prepared to challenge the legality of the NBC Code in court, as it may constitute double taxation and conflict with the Nigerian Constitution.”
To make success of the Forth-Coming first Broadcasters Conference/Annual General Meeting (AGM), the following members were appointed into the committee: Greg Odutayo; Chairman, Victor Ogwezzy; Co- chairman, Tony Dara; member, Toun Okenwale, Deji, secretary, Debbie Izemoze, Charles Daniels, Jacob Idihen, Mukaila Ibrahim, and Engineer Banji, Mukaila Ibrahim, Omogbolahan Akinwumi as members
