The umbrella body of youth leaders in Igbo land, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has expressed regret over the damage of broadcast equipment belonging to ABN TV due to Monday night heavy downpour.
COSEYL while describing the incident as unfortunate and disheartening especially at this period of economic hardship, said it is not a personal loss but a loss to journalism profession in the country.
While extolling the professional, unbiased and objective news reportage ABN TV is known for, COSEYL in a release on Tuesday signed by its President General, Hon Goodluck Egwu Ibem and Secretary General, Comrade Kanice Igwe appealed to well meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the media organization to regain its strength from the loss.
“We receive with rude shock the destruction of All Breaking News Television (ABN TV) equipments by the heavy rain that fell last monday night being 29th June, 2020 at their corporate headquarters at Azikiwe road , Umuahia, Abia State.
“It is so disheartening to experience such a great loss at this time of economic challenges. The rain destroyed their sophisticated studio cameras, laptops, mixer, and other equipment. Everything in their office was soaked in water.
“ABN TV is known for its professional reportage of stories and events in Nigeria. This loss shouldn’t be treated as their own loss. It’s a huge loss to journalism and news consumers all over Nigeria.
“We sympathetically appeal to well meaning Nigerians, corporate organizations, the government to come to the aid of ABN TV to bounce back on his feet to start doing what he knows how to do best which is professional and objective reportage.
“The establishment has provided employment to our teeming youths, women and men who are earning a living through ABN TV.
“We call on the ABN TV Director Ifeanyi Okali and it’s management to have faith in God for solution to their present challenge,” COSEYL said.
ABN TV publisher, Mr. Ifeanyi Okali had earlier blamed the damage to the persistent refusal of the landlord of the property housing ABN TV head office in Umuahia to effect renovation on the building.
In a statement obtained by Igbere TV, Okali expressed regret that despite ABN TV’s commitment to prompt tenancy payment, the landlord’s negligence has led to such loss.
Igbere TV reports equipment damaged in the heavy downpour incident to include Video and audio mixers, digital cameras, laptops as well as the recording studio.
