Nigerian Finance Minister Champions Launch of Bloomberg TV Africa in Nigeria

Oct. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Speaking at the North America launch of Bloomberg TV Africa in Washington D.C. on 10th October, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy said the establishment of Bloomberg TV Africa in Nigeria was a welcome addition to the country's growing economy.  "This will be the first station - TV station - from abroad based in Nigeria and I think you've got it right."

Addressing an audience of 70 delegates who were in Washington D.C. to attend the World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings,  Dr. Okonjo-Iweala commended the Bloomberg Media Group for having the foresight to base its production and operational hub in Nigeria adding, "I want to say to all who are not in Nigeria that if you're not in Nigeria, you're not in Africa, so I think Bloomberg TV has got it right."

In his own opening remarks, Mr. Andy Lack, Chairman of Bloomberg Media Group expressed excitement at his organisation’s plans for the Nigerian market: “We at Bloomberg believe in Nigeria, its people and its role in the developing Africa growth story. Our partnership with the Nigeria-based Optima Media Group has enabled us to develop a platform for Africa's growing business and financial community that will significantly extend our presence across the continent."

Mr. Rotimi Pedro, Chairman, Optima Media Group (OMG) and Vice-Chairman of Bloomberg TV Africa added: “Bloomberg TV Africa will deliver the highest quality news and business programming that will empower Africans to tell their story from their own perspectives. We aim to provide relevant and up-to-date information to enable African business leaders to make informed business and investment decisions."

The event was attended  by several eminent personalities, including: Dr. Donald Kaberuka, President, African Development Bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, MD, UBA Plc., Dr. Alex Otti, MD, Diamond Bank Plc., Mrs Mary Akpobome, ED, Heritage Bank and a representative of the Nigerian Central Bank Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, among others.

The North America launch of Bloomberg TV Africa is the first in a series of launches. Further events will be held in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria. Bloomberg TV Africa is expected to begin full operations from its Lagos hub in the first quarter of 2014, with three to four hours of business programming available to African viewers each day.