Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has said that he would expand the frontier for civic engagement by enhancing community broadcasting in the state.
He disclosed this on Tuesday in his message to the people of the state to commemorate this year’s World Radio Day.
According to the Governor, radio is a veritable channel for promoting understanding and peaceful coexistence in any society, adding that it plays a vital role in the sustenance of democratic governance around the world.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Isnmaila Isah, quoted Governor Ododo as assuring the people of the state of his commitment to broaden engagement with stakeholders by encouraging the establishment of more community radio stations and supporting existing ones to thrive in the state.
The statement reads: “this year’s celebration of 100 years of radio broadcasting around the world marks a significant milestone of how radio has been connecting people around the world and promoting understanding among diverse groups in the interest of peace and development of humanity.
“I join millions of radio listeners all over the world to celebrate the remarkable success of all radio stations in Nigeria and the practitioners especially in Kogi State who continue to defy challenges by keeping our people informed about the activities of government while also highlighting the needs and aspirations of our people in all corners of the state.”
He assured that the state government would provide the enabling environment for broadcasting and other businesses to thrive in the state.
The theme for this year’s celebration which is, ‘Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating,’ underlines the pivotal role of radio as a means of promoting democratic governance through information dissemination that bridges the gap between government and the people and it is gratifying that this phenomenon has endured for over 100 years in our history.
The World Radio Day is an initiative of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to commemorate the medium’s extensive virtues and continuing potency to reach its audience despite competition from digital platforms, generational divides, censorship, and economic hards
