Rio 2016: NOC Signs MOU With TV Stations

The selected TV stations are the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Silverbird Communications (STV), DAAR Communications (AIT) and Smooth Promotions (HipTV)

Speaking at the ceremony, which was held in Lagos, the NOC president, Engr. Habu Gumel, said the partnership was a major contribution to the long-term financial stability of the Olympic movement in Nigeria, adding that Nigerians will have the chance to watch every bit of the Olympic Games for the duration of the event.

He said: “The agreement is a major contribution to the long term financial stability of the Olympic Movement in Nigeria. This announcement is also significant as it demonstrates our resolve to ensure the NOC is on the path to self-sustainability.

“The NOC has acquired the free-to- air broadcast rights across all media platforms for the Nigeria Territory including internet and mobile applications. The selected stations consistently do an excellent job of broadcasting live sporting and entertainment events and the Olympic Games, so this collaboration is a very good news for sports fans in Nigeria. From a commercial perspective, this model is a win-win situation which will help the NOC realise funds to support the activities of the Olympic Movement in Nigeria.

“The stations we have carefully selected are renowned media organistions with which we are proud to have worked with, including four the Olympic Games. We are delighted that NTA, STV, AIT and HipTV will continue as our partners beyond Rio 2016, providing fantastic coverage of the Olympic Games and related programs for free to the widest possible audience in Nigeria across a variety of media.

“Our partnership will ensure preferential advertising and sponsorship opportunities to top partners and NOC local sponsors and partners. The NOC will be organising a workshop to ensure that the broadcast partners follow the Olympic Charter principles of broadcast, including ‘clean venues. We are determined to check the issue of ambush marketing like it’s never been done in our country”, Gumel added.

Also speaking was NTA’s General Manager (Sports), Abdulrahman Ibn Mohammed, who said that the station was committed to giving Nigerians the best possible service from the Olympics, stressing that the partnership was in the right direction.

“Sports brings unity to Nigerians; thank God Nigeria has qualified for the football and basketball events. Nigerians enjoy quality sporting events and they have a lot to look up to at the Olympics. Hopefully, Nigerians will smile home with medals and it’s our pleasure to be part of it,” Mohammed said.