Zuma Agric Radio has been commended for its strong commitment to improving the lives of rural communities through its agricultural programmes.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the commendation during the 20th anniversary celebration of Zuma Agric Radio and the 9th edition of the Zuma Agricultural Harvest Festival, held in Suleja, Niger State, North Central Nigeria.
The minister, who was represented by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, described the station as a pioneer in community broadcasting in Niger State. He said Zuma FM, which started as the first private radio station in the state, has played a major role in bringing information closer to the people, especially farmers in rural areas.
According to him, for the past 20 years, the station has strengthened the link between the government and citizens, improved agricultural awareness, and provided rural communities with a platform to learn, speak out, and grow. He noted that this year’s theme, “Two Decades of Impact: Transforming Rural Lives through Agricultural Innovation”, reflects the importance of agriculture and information in national development.
The minister stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of the rural economy, while information is key to agricultural progress. He said stations like Zuma Agric Radio are vital partners in building a people-centred communication system that promotes unity, trust, and development.
He also praised the consistency of the Zuma Agricultural Harvest Festival, noting that for nine years, it has brought together farmers, policymakers, development partners, and innovators, proving that the media is not only for broadcasting but also for education, mobilisation, and community development.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, stated that agriculture remains one of the major drivers of Nigeria’s economy and a key sector for national development.
Represented by the North Central Zonal Coordinator, Malam Saleh Umar Saleh, the VON boss described Zuma Agric Radio as an important platform that gives farmers a strong voice to share their activities, challenges, and achievements.
He said agriculture is vital to human survival and development, adding that this aligns with VON’s focus on agricultural programmes to boost food production.
He disclosed that VON airs agricultural programmes in eight African languages to support farmers and strengthen the sector across the country.
Malam Ndace praised Zuma Agric Radio for over 20 years of promoting Nigeria’s agricultural potential and the green economy, as well as creating opportunities for farmers to showcase and promote their products.
Earlier, the manager of Zuma Agric Radio said the station has made a direct impact on farmers over the past nine years by supporting them with health insurance, access to loans through the NIRSAL Microfinance Fund, and regular training programmes.
He added that farmers are invited to the station for practical training to improve productivity, noting that despite challenges such as power supply, the station remains committed to rural development.
He revealed that sponsorship support, including from the National Agricultural Development Fund, has been used for community projects like the renovation of a nearby healthcare centre.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate, Finance and Stakeholder Engagement, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the annual event brings rural communities together and highlights the important role of farmers in ensuring food security.
He called for continued support for farmers, reduction in the cost of farm inputs, and promotion of innovative and climate-smart farming practices.
He added that capacity building by organisations like Zuma Agric Radio is key to attracting international funding for agricultural projects.
The event featured the exhibition of various farm products, as farmers expressed appreciation to Zuma Agric Radio for its continued support and motivation in promoting agriculture and rural development
Olusola Akintonde