The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for FIFA U-17 2009 World Cup has declared its intention to partner with Vision FM 92.1, a radio station based in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in areas of media coverage and publicity.
Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of LOC, Mainasara Ilo, made this known during a courtesy visit to the station in Abuja.
According to Ilo, the interesting programmes of Vision FM informed the choice of the station as one of its media partners. "We are here to solicit for the assistance of your station in the coverage of activities lined up for the FIFA 2009 U-17 World Cup to be hosted in Nigeria. We are moved to take this step because of the very beautiful programmes of your radio station," Ilo said.
The LOC vice chairman added that the presentation of programmes with rich local content made FM 92.1 the most community-friendly radio station in Nigeria. "I am particularly impressed by the level of local content in your programming. Your transmission of programmes in the three major languages on a daily basis is quite commendable," he stated.
Ilo expressed preparedness of the committee to ensure a successful hosting of FIFA U-17 World Cup next year.
Responding, Executive Director of the station, Alhaji Musa Faruk, an astute broadcaster formerly with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), London, pledged unflinching support of the media outfit to activities of LOC before, during and after the tournament. "We will use our connections both locally and internationally to support your committee to guarantee huge success of FIFA 2009 in Nigeria," he pledged.
The LOC chief executive officer and members of his entourage were conducted round the various departments of the FM station including the well-equipped and digitalised studios.
Austyn Agabi, Marketing Manager of Vision FM, told Daily Independent that the station was ready to give adequate publicity to LOC activities in preparation for the U-17 football tournament.
Meanwhile, the radio station has relocated to its permanent office in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.