The federal authorities has pledged to develop group radio as a instrument to strengthen the nation's democracy.
The Minister of Info and Nationwide Steering, Mohammed Idris, made this identified in a press release issued on Tuesday to commemorate World Radio Day.
World Radio Day is widely known yearly on February 13.
The theme for this yr's celebration, titled 'Radio: A Century that Informs, Entertains and Educates', “displays the exceptional achievement of radio as a way of communication and data for greater than 100 years, regardless of the rise of social media,” stated Idris.
The minister famous that radio performs a “crucial position in shaping public opinion and selling cultural unity in our various nation,” including that it additionally supplies a “platform for individuals of all backgrounds to talk out, to be represented and heard, no matter their ethnicity, faith or political opinions.”
Idris acknowledged that because of the widespread dissemination of data by radio, “the federal government has made the mandatory reforms within the course of of building group radio stations.”
Though Nigeria has 89 licensed group radio stations, the minister burdened that the President Bola Tinubu-led authorities is prepared to create a extra conducive surroundings for the emergence of different radio stations, whereas strengthening these already in existence.
The assertion learn: “Right this moment I be a part of the worldwide radio viewers in celebrating World Radio Day 2024, as proclaimed and adopted as a world day by the Member States of UNESCO.
“The theme for 2024 is 'Radio: a century of informing, entertaining and educating.' This theme displays the exceptional efficiency of radio as a way of communication and data for greater than 100 years, regardless of the rise of social media. It additionally highlights the promise of a dynamic future for radio as a platform that has stood the take a look at of time.”
Idris acknowledged that radio has been an “important technique of communication in Nigeria since 1933. Its distinctive capability to succeed in a large viewers makes it a super instrument for disseminating authorities plans and packages to all ranges of society, together with the grassroots.
“Radio has performed a vital position in shaping public opinion and selling cultural unity in our various nation. It supplies a platform for individuals of all backgrounds to talk out, be represented and be heard, no matter their ethnicity, faith or political opinions. In latest instances, radio has additionally grow to be a precious instrument for battle decision and a supply of hope for the oppressed.”
The minister famous that the “authorities acknowledges the variety of the Nigerian individuals and acknowledges the facility of radio to succeed in individuals of their native languages. To make group radio extra dependable, environment friendly and reasonably priced, the federal government has launched obligatory reforms within the means of establishing group radio stations.
“At the moment, solely 89 such stations in Nigeria have been licensed to broadcast. Nonetheless, the federal government intends to vary this development by making a extra conducive surroundings for the emergence of different radio stations and for the prevailing ones to strengthen their capability and flourish.”
Idris known as for investments in group radio stations, including that “such an funding will undoubtedly strengthen democracy, promote social cohesion and supply residents of rural areas with entry to credible info, consistent with President Bola Ahmed's Renewed Hope Agenda Tinubu.”
Idris added that the FG “will work with UNESCO to drive these reforms and develop the required capability within the sector to strengthen radio's capability to disseminate credible and dependable info to the individuals.
“As Nigeria celebrates this vacation with the remainder of the world, I urge all radio stations, each conventional and on-line, to be extra accountable of their operations by adhering to the ideas and ethics of broadcasting.
“Editorial features similar to fact-checking, objectivity and stability have to be ensured earlier than information is launched. We should uphold the credibility and belief that comes with radio, one thing most Nigerians extremely worth.”
“Lastly, I congratulate radio listeners and urge them to make use of radio to study, develop and make their voices heard. I congratulate UNESCO for reminding us of the worth that radio provides to our lives. Comfortable World Radio Day!”, the minister concluded.
