By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has commended Radio Kogi for 35 years of impactful broadcasting, describing the station as a vital institution that has contributed significantly to information dissemination, education, entertainment and the promotion of unity across the state.
The commendation was delivered recently at the historic celebration marking the 35th anniversary of Radio Kogi, where a representative of the Commissioner for Information and Communications praised the management, staff and past leaders of the station for their dedication and invaluable contributions to the development of Kogi State.
Representing the Honourable Commissioner, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Media Hon Yusuf Adebayo Ohiare said the anniversary was not merely a celebration of longevity but a recognition of decades of service to the people of Kogi State through credible information, public enlightenment and programming that continues to connect communities across the state.
“For 35 years, Radio Kogi has remained a vital platform for information, education, entertainment and the promotion of unity across Kogi State,” he said, while commending successive managements and staff of the station for sustaining its relevance over the years.
Fanwo congratulated Radio Kogi on the milestone, assuring that the station’s contribution to the state’s development remained highly valued by the government.
He further assured the station that the state government would continue to value and encourage responsible broadcasting as an essential instrument for informing citizens, strengthening social cohesion and advancing development.
He congratulated the management and staff of Radio Kogi on the 35th anniversary, praying that the station would continue to grow, innovate and remain a trusted voice for the people of Kogi State.
“May Radio Kogi continue to grow and remain a trusted voice for the people of Kogi State. God bless Radio Kogi, and God bless Kogi State,” he added.
Also speaking, the chairman of the anniversary event and retired Zonal Director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Alhaji Mohammed Bello, congratulated KSBC for sustaining broadcasting operations for 35 years despite changes in government, infrastructure challenges and the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.
Bello said KSBC had remained relevant in informing, educating and entertaining the people, adding that the Corporation had also served as a cost-effective channel through which government communicated with citizens and received feedback.
He urged KSBC to move beyond traditional broadcasting and fully embrace new media platforms, noting that the audience was changing rapidly, particularly among younger Nigerians.
According to him, the Corporation should conduct regular audience surveys, adapt its content to emerging platforms and maintain professional standards in line with the ethics of broadcasting.
Bello also appealed to the state government to establish a television station, arguing that Kogi had enormous economic, industrial, cultural and developmental stories that deserved wider visibility.
He noted that the state’s strategic location, international airport project, Ajaokuta Steel Complex, cement industries, solid mineral deposits, river dredging activities and tertiary institutions provided sufficient content for a television station.
Earlier, the Director-General of KSBC, Princess Nana Hauwa Yussuf, traced the history of broadcasting in the state to the period before the creation of Kogi State, when booster stations at Egbe, Otite and Agbadigba in Anyigba relayed signals from neighbouring states.
She said Radio Kogi had, over the past 35 years, provided news, music, cultural, educational and entertainment programmes to the people of Kogi State and beyond.
Yussuf said the Corporation currently operated three booster stations in Anyigba, Egbe and Okene-Eba, enabling it to reach communities across the three senatorial districts.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for interventions including the provision of a transformer, installation of solar power systems, approval for a permanent structure at the Okene-Eba booster station and the approval to renovate and rebrand the Corporation’s broadcast building.
The DG also commended Fanwo for his leadership, guidance and support, as well as successive commissioners, general managers, directors-general, veteran broadcasters, engineers and other staff who contributed to the development of KSBC.
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, which was received on behalf of the Governor by Hon Yusuf Adebayo Ohiare.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Ohiare said Governor Ododo deeply appreciated the honour and received it with profound gratitude and humility.
According to him, the award was a reflection of the Governor’s commitment to supporting institutions that contribute meaningfully to the progress, unity and development of Kogi State.
