By Chioma Iruke
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Mr Balarabe Ilelah, a veteran broadcaster, as the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) amid perceived clampdown on free speech.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed announced the appointment in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
He said Mr Ilelah’s appointment spans through a five-year tenure in the first instance.
The statement was signed and made available to newsmen by Mr Segun Adeyemi, the Special Assistant to the President (Media), Office of the Minister of Information and Culture.
The new NBC boss hails from Bauchi South Senatorial District, in Bauchi State. He attended Kobi primary school, Bauchi, and went further to attend Junior Secondary School Misau.
He holds a degree from Bayero University Kano and worked with the Nigeria Television Authority, (NTA) Bauchi.
Ilelah precedes Armstrong Aduku Idachaba who was the acting Director General of the NBC.