In a giant stride to enhance information dissemination, the Kebbi State Government has announced the approval of new radio stations and a comprehensive upgrade of its state-owned media facilities.
The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, disclosed these developments during a courtesy visit to the newly appointed General Manager of the Borno Radio Television Corporation (BRTC), Alhaji Aliyu Mamman Shuwa, in Maiduguri on Friday.
Commissioner Ahmed attributed this media expansion to the pro-press stance of Governor Nasir Idris, which he stated is rapidly transforming Kebbi from one of Nigeria’s most underreported states into a more open and accessible one.
“Beyond Governor Idris’s naturally accessible approach to working journalists, he has demonstrated a firm commitment to strengthening government-owned media houses,” Ahmed stated. He elaborated that this includes “the provision of critical equipment to make information dissemination more effective.”
Outlining specific projects, the Commissioner revealed that the Governor has approved the establishment of a new 10-kilowatt FM radio station in Yauri, with construction set to begin imminently. Similar FM stations are planned for Birnin Kebbi and Zuru to ensure coverage reaches “all nooks and crannies of the state.”
Furthermore, he announced that a new 50-kilowatt digital AM band transmitter has been approved to replace the old one in Birnin Kebbi. The renovation of the state printing press has also been completed and is ready for operation.
“Governor Idris is committed to upgrading the capacity of both the state radio and television stations to empower them to discharge their duties effectively,” Ahmed assured, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to funding these “megaphones of the state” to educate, inform, and entertain the public.
In his response, BRTC General Manager Alhaji Aliyu Mamman Shuwa commended the people of Kebbi for electing “a man of proven character.” He also praised the cooperative relationship and shared vision between the Governors of Borno and Kebbi, highlighting its importance for national unity.
Calling Commissioner Ahmed a “mentor and a dedicated lover of Borno,” having previously served at BRTC for a decade, GM Shuwa proposed enhanced cooperation between the media organizations of both states to foster cultural and tourism exchanges.
He also noted that, under Governor Babagana Zulum’s directives, BRTC is itself undergoing a significant rejuvenation to become a broadcaster of international repute.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by Alhaji Musa Hamidu Kidah, Executive Director of the Damnaish Human Capacity Building Initiative and a former Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno State Council.
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