Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Nigerians have been urge to be more of creative and innovative than depending on government or individuals for their livelihood.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Super Media Television Studio SUM TV, a private Television station in Jalingo, Mr. Olayinka Gabriel stated this in an interview with Journalists shortly after the Commissioning of the ultra mordern digital television studio in Jalingo.
He underscore the Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas’s administration’s commitment to supporting private initiatives.
“I want to use this medium to express my gratitude to the Taraba State Governor Dr, Agbu Kefas for the needed support accorded me.
“This journey began a decade ago with the establishment of Taraba News online platform.
He noted that his vision for SUMTV has been ambition for the growth of the state and beyond.
According to him, the vision for establishing SUM TV is to informed, entertained and educate Tarabans and the world at large.
“Journalism is my passion despite that I am an accountant by profession. I started as a member of editorial board of a school magazine, later as assistant editor and lastly, the Editor in Chief.
He said that while in secondary school, he was a member of Press Club.
“So I started my Journalism passion for a long time, because I have the passion for the profession.
“What we are doing today is to pioneer TV station in Taraba State. The station is the state, but it is global, for it has started having Correspondents all over the Country and intended to have in other Countries.
“I felt that people are desperate for informed, entertained and educate, so I felt that there is need to provide a Twenty Four hour such to our viewers.
“We have been on Print Media for over one decade and today it is taking us to Broadcast. Sometimes when you are reading a newspaper, you may not see what actually happened, but in TV, you will see exactly what transpared.
“Under this situation, you will be able to see and feel exactly what happened in pictures, this is in quest to bring entertainment, information and educate the people.
“We will start by having Correspondents in all the six geopolitical zones of the country. People are watching the station all over the country and we have been receiving calls from various states.
“Taraba been not an industrial state would not stop us from pursing our vision. Jalingo is where we set our Headquarters and I assure you that we are going to move all over the country.
Olayinka Gabriel pointed out that it cost a lot to establish a TV station which includes, obtaining the license, purchasing the equipments and furnishing the studio.
“When I started operating a Print Media, it didn’t cost me much. With the development of the internet, we use it to send E- Copies to most of our readers, but in TV, it cost me a lot of money for the license alone cost over Twenty Million Naira, if you add it with equipments and furnishing, it is up to over One Hundred Million Naira.
“I want to use this medium to encourage people to be creative, innovative and take drastic steps towards realizing their dreams. All what you need is a dream and you can achieve it and it is achieveble.
“The SUM TV has come to stay, I call on the public to patronize it. We will be open and ensure that everything is done according to the NBC code of ethics on what is expected to be Broadcast – he said.
Earlier, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, represented by the Commissioner of Information and Reorientation, Barr. Zainab Usman, commended Gabriel Olayinka, the owner of SUM TV, for his entrepreneurial spirit and significant high contributions to expanding the media landscape in the state.
“Government would create an environment conducive to attracting investors, encouraging them to explore the many opportunities available in Taraba State.
During a live broadcast of the commissioning event, a panellist recognized Olayinka’s entrepreneurial efforts, highlighting that he has created jobs and provided mentorship to others.
The consensus among the panellists was that the government should develop platforms to empower private enterprises rather than relying on the expectation of government-provided jobs.
The MD/CEO SUM TV, Olayinka Gabriel appreciated all those that find time to grace the Commissioning despite their tithe shedules.
“I want to sincerely appreciate all those who showed up for me at the commissioning of SUM TV.
“I am grateful to His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas for the show of love and continued support, Barr Zainab Usman Jalingo who has shown passion and love right from day one of this adventure and her generous support, all commissioners who showed up despite their busy schedules, Commissioner of Basic Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, Commissioner of Digital Economic and Innovation, Hon Gideon Nonso, Commissioner of Science and Technology Hon Muslim.
“I must appreciate His Royal Highness the Chief of Mummy Ado Mazang, my father and mentors who came all the way from Abuja to attend the event, Hon Rebo Usman Ehwan, former Chief of Staff, the Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue, Brig Gen Aliyu Faransa RTD, Hon Evag Philip Munlip, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr. Yusuf Sanda, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Dr. E. Audu all special advisers, senior special assistants, and special assistants who attended in person, all those who sent in delegations, the Chairman of Jalingo Local Government represented by his Vice, the Chairman of PDP delegations, Chief Irimiya Ezekiel Afikuyo represented by one of the Directors of Kwararafa TV, Commdar 6 Bridge represented by Capt. Olubodunde Oni.
“My friends in the media led by the Chairman of the Correspondent Chapel Mr. Gabriel Y, the Chairman of the Association of Private Schools, and Director Rubby Classic, a host of my friends and associates, and all those who sent in messages and a host of others. I sincerely appreciate your love for me and SUM TV, may God bless you all – he added.