By Festus Justus Margai
Freetown, Monday 25 September, 2023 – The Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education (MOICE), Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq, has called for strong cooperation between China-based Hunan Broadcasting System and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).
He was addressing a delegation from Hunan Broadcasting System at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education conference hall, Youyi Building.
The Deputy Information Minister thanked the Hunan Broadcasting team for choosing Sierra Leone, adding that China and Sierra Leone have a rich history of cooperation. He informed the visitors that since President Bio took office Sierra Leone and China have enjoyed excellent relationship underpinned by investment of Chinese companies in various sectors including mining.
He indicated that he was inspired by the fact that one of President Bio’s foremost public service assignments was at the information and broadcasting, adding that he and the Minister are committed to transforming the national broadcasting corporation.
“It is our desire that Hunan Broadcasting will support SLBC on digital migration, infrastructure development, exchange programmes and capacity building. We want the SLBC to be at the center of the broadcasting transformation in our country,” Deputy Minister said.
Responding, the Director General of Hunan Broadcasting System, He Hui, expressed their intention to work with the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, adding that they were here to explore investment and partnership opportunities. He gave a brief history of the Hunan Broadcasting and its partnerships in other countries.
“I will like to invite you, Minister and your team, to Hunan Province for a first-hand experience on the operations and capacity of Hunan Broadcasting,” the Director General stated.
Members of the Hunan Broadcasting delegation are expected to visit the SLBC complex and undertake a tour of the facilities.