TheCable

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, says Nigeria can only regain its lost glory if the country is restructured.

Speaking on Saturday at the unveiling of SATVIEW Network, a homegrown digital television outfit, in Ibadan, the state capital, the governor said the push for a restructured Nigeria is aimed at making it regain the series of achievements recorded by the first generation leaders.

In a statement by Taiwo Adisa, chief press secretary to the governor, Makinde said his administration will continue to identify, encourage and support talented youths to grow businesses in the state.

“So, I came here today to let our people know that all is not lost. We are pushing for a restructured country because when we achieved all of these firsts, the country was not overcentralised at that time,” Makinde said.

“We believe that when we push through the agenda to restructure the country, we will be in a better position for people to unleash their talents, not just the local economy, but also to place us where we really belong in the comity of nations right across Africa.

“So, the SATView Network is not the first network to bring programme to our people but what is unique about this offering is, once you buy the decoder, you are not going to pay any money. That is the difference.

“Oyo State, Ibadan precisely, hosted the first TV station in Africa. Almost all of us here have DSTV at home and the money we are paying to DSTV is going directly to South Africa because that is where the parent home is.

“We missed the road but we believe that, with the talents that we have, if we nurture them, we can get our position back as truly the first in Africa.”

The governor added that it is unbelievable that Nigeria, which had the first television station in Africa, now relies on foreign television networks for clear signals.