By Moses Patience Chat
Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has been reaching the public in the Niger Delta with messages of hope and development through a pioneering radio discussion programme called Canvas.
SPDC-operated joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) TotalEnergies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) through lively discussions on the programme has been able to assure host communities in the Niger Delta region of a better way of life that not only highlight the ills of the region but also stress the resilience of its people to inspire reawakening and renewal.
According to SPDC Director and Head, Country Corporate Relations, Igo Weli,“ Canvas has grown to become a reference point in public discourse on radio in the South South and South East geo-political zones.
“We’re pleased to help refocus the narrative in the Niger Delta from crime and violence to justice, peace and development. Canvas is by no means the silver bullet to solving the challenges of the region, but if the weekly discussions create awareness and influence a change of heart somewhere, then it has been worth the efforts these years and should continue.”
He added that the programme aims to contribute to making the Niger Delta an attractive investment destination that offers the needed environment for businesses to thrive in an atmosphere where dialogue, rather than violence, is the tool for resolving conflicts.
“Canvas was conceived out of the need to re-focus the narrative on the Niger Delta from being troubled and problem-plagued to solution-seeking and forward-looking,” he added.
Mr. Weli, who is also the Executive Producer, and the production team worked the structures of a programme in a way that it will be interactive and accommodating of diverse views and opinions with the aim of distilling the best ideas for the Niger Delta.
Canvas first aired on Rhythm 93.7FM Port Harcourt on April 10, 2017, and now runs every Monday, 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Family Love 97.7FM Port Harcourt; and on Wednesday, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Nigeria Info 92.3FM Port Harcourt. The edition on Family Love FM is simultaneously broadcast to audiences in Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states and environs via Radio Nigeria’s Creek 106.5FM and Bronze 101.5FM stations, while the one on Nigeria Info 92.3FM covers Rivers and neighbouring states.
Also, SPDC Spokesperson, Michael Adande, who is also a producer, said, “Our work begins with deciding topics and identifying suitable guests who we then engage to accommodate the interruption of their schedule. We work closely with the anchors and guests to ensure what goes on air meets high broadcast standards and promotes the aims of the show.”
Speaking on the benefits of the programme, Kingsley Nweke, a Professor of Governance and Politics at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State also noted that “Canvas could help improve the existing long-term knowledge and communication gaps in diverse areas among its growing listenership in the Niger Delta capable of transforming the region.”
Commenting on the future of the programme, Mr Weli said, “The good thing about Canvas is that the conversations continue after each edition, meaning the programme extends beyond the studios to hearts and minds, where real change resides and begins. Slowly but surely, SPDC-operated joint venture is helping to paint a picture of the new Niger Delta on Canvas. This turns out to be our motivation and reward which will hopefully take the show to the next level.”