A statement released by his Family says the broadcaster is in good spirit and is not bedridden as widely speculated by his friends and associates.

The statement read “The Family of Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, GM, NTA Katsina appreciates the numerous phone calls and concern raised about the report as regards his testing positive to COVID 19. We wish to confirm that he is in high spirits, not bedridden, as he personally called in the NCDC officials to carry out the test on him. Aware that the COVID-19 is not a death sentence and believing in God for healing, we seek your prayers for speedy and divine healing which Almighty Allah gives.”

The Minister said this when he appeared before the senate committee on local and foreign loans to speak on the importance of the $500 million which is part of the $30 billion loan President Buhari is asking the national assembly to approve.

He said “If this project is approved, there will be more visibility for our people in the music, fashion and film industries. In 2014, we made $23 million from music alone and about $53 million in 2019 and we are looking forward to making $83 million in 2025. You can imagine the kind of growth we will have if only we digitise all the NTA stations in the country.”