The Federal Government says that the Voice of Nigeria’s (VON) transmitters will transform the landscape of terrestrial broadcasting and position it as a respected brand in global radio broadcasting.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stated this at the flag-off of the contract for the restoration of VON’s shortwave transmission at the transmission station on Tuesday in Abuja.
Idris, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Chinasa Ogbodo, said the historical event would revive the largest and most powerful transmitting station on the African continent.
According to him, the giant step is for the restoration of VON’s shortwave transmission using the 250KW superpower transmitter.
“We express our profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for his vision and commitment toward the restoration and modernisation of the broadcasting infrastructure of the Voice of Nigeria.
“Upon completion of this project, the fully reactivated VON transmitters will transform the landscape of terrestrial broadcasting and position VON as a respected brand in global radio broadcasting for good.
“I, therefore, urge the contractor to not only execute the contract within the agreed timeline, but also to ensure that the highest standards and quality are maintained and clearly evident.
“On its part, the VON technical team must demonstrate a high level of diligence and competence in supervising the execution of this project.
“They must also ensure its sustainability through an effective maintenance culture,” Idris said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of VON, Malam Jibrin Ndace, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the support, and to Idris and the management team of the Ministry for the effective leadership.
“The rotating antenna is a critical national infrastructure installed by the previous administration to position Nigeria as the leading voice, not just in Africa, but around the world.
“Based on some challenges, it stopped working; but with the wisdom of President Tinubu, support was given and this is an implementation effort to revive the rotating antenna which is the only rotating antenna in Africa.
“As DG of VON, I and my team are determined, intentional and focused to reposition VON as the voice of Africa and Nigeria.
“When this antenna comes alive, we will do more in shaping the narrative of Nigeria and Africa. Over 60 per cent of listeners are on transistor radio and VON wants to take the lead in shaping positive narratives of Njgeria and Africa.
“There are good stories about Nigeria and Nigerians, Africa and Africans.
“We will be transparent and diligent in the implementation process. We want to assure Nigerians that this assignment will be done diligently, responsibly and with the fear of God,” Ndace said.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Confax Nigeria Ltd., Mr Hassan Fawaz, assured that the company would do a diligent work that Nigeria would be proud of.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high points of the event was the signing of the contract for the restoration of VON’s shortwave 250KW TX2 transmitter at the Lugbe transmitting station in Abuja.
