Kogi commissioner reaffirms commitment to broadcasting growth, digital transformation

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation (KSBC) and positioning it for greater relevance in the digital era.

Fanwo stated this at the 35th anniversary celebration of KSBC, held under the theme, “The Voice of the Confluence: 35 Years of Impact.”

The commissioner described KSBC as an important institution in the history and development of Kogi State, noting that its role extends beyond broadcasting to informing, educating and connecting government with the people.

He said the anniversary held a special significance for him because his late mother, Mrs Titilayo Aliu, was a staff member of the Corporation and died while still in active service.

Fanwo said supervising the institution where his mother spent her working years had given him an additional sense of responsibility to preserve and advance its legacy.

“Every time I walk through the doors of this Corporation, I am reminded of her sacrifice and the legacy she left behind,” he said.

He assured the management and staff of his continued support, saying efforts would be made to preserve the values upon which KSBC was established while embracing innovations that would enable the Corporation to compete effectively in the changing media landscape.

Fanwo also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritising the development of broadcasting in the state.

According to him, effective broadcasting requires more than studios, cameras, microphones and transmitters, stressing that functional infrastructure and reliable electricity are essential to the successful operation of a modern media organisation.

He disclosed that the state government had upgraded the Corporation’s transmitters and was addressing its longstanding power challenges.

The commissioner noted that the interventions would enhance KSBC’s ability to reach more communities and deliver timely and credible information to the people.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the anniversary celebration and retired Zonal Director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Alhaji Mohammed Bello, congratulated KSBC for sustaining its operations for 35 years despite changes in government, infrastructure challenges and the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.

Bello said the Corporation had remained relevant in informing, educating and entertaining the people, while also serving as an affordable platform for government to communicate its policies and receive feedback from citizens.

He, however, urged KSBC to expand its presence on new media platforms in response to changing audience preferences, particularly among younger Nigerians.

He recommended regular audience surveys, improved digital content and strict adherence to professional broadcasting ethics.

Bello further called on the state government to establish a television station, arguing that Kogi State possessed vast economic, industrial, cultural and developmental resources that deserved broader visibility.

He identified the Kogi International Airport project, Ajaokuta Steel Complex, cement industries, solid mineral deposits, river dredging activities and tertiary institutions as some of the developments that could provide compelling content for a state-owned television station.

Earlier, the Director-General of KSBC, Princess Nana Hauwa Yussuf, traced the history of broadcasting in Kogi to the period before the creation of the 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 audiences within and outside the state.

According to her, the Corporation currently operates three booster stations in Anyigba, Egbe and Okene-Eba, giving it coverage across the three senatorial districts of the state.

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Yussuf expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for various 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 renovation and rebranding of the Corporation’s broadcast building.

She also commended Commissioner Fanwo for his leadership, guidance and support, while acknowledging the contributions of successive commissioners, general managers, directors-general, veteran broadcasters, engineers and other members of staff who had contributed to the growth of KSBC.

The anniversary featured the presentation of meritorious awards to individuals who had rendered distinguished service to Radio Kogi.

The late first Executive Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, was honoured posthumously for his contribution to the establishment of the Corporation.

The 35th anniversary celebration provided an opportunity for stakeholders, broadcasters and government officials to reflect on KSBC’s contributions to public information, education, culture and development in Kogi State, as the Corporation looks ahead to a new era of broadcasting.