The Nigerian Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has urged the Armed Forces Radio to prioritise deeper digital integration, broader linguistic inclusion, and meaningful citizen engagement, particularly for security-conscious communities, veterans, and frontline personnel whose voices remain underrepresented.
The call was made during the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Radio Service, held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda.
According to him, “There is a need to amplify the voices of ordinary Nigerians whose security concerns deserve to be heard and addressed, and ensure that from the cities to the most remote villages, no voice is lost and no signal is out of reach.”
He described Armed Forces Radio as indispensable and commended the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Defence Department of Civil and Military Affairs, and the team at 107.7 FM for sustaining the mission over the past decade.
“I wish to also salute the broadcasters who blend creativity with discipline, mastering the evolving tools of communication while remaining rooted in the ethos of military professionalism
“You have taken this platform from a transformer or a transmitter to a whole movement. Your efforts to modernise through live streaming, social media integration, podcasts, and community engagement have shown remarkable foresight.”
He further noted that the station has reached the youth, engaged the diaspora, and extended the voice of the military to every part of Nigeria.
“You have proven that innovation, when anchored in purpose, can transform public service through broadcasting into a force for national unity,” he said.
“Ten years on, a milestone becomes more than just a celebration — it becomes a launchpad for renewed ambition and bold vision,” he added.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, highlighted radio’s impact over the past decade in transforming lives, shaping opinion, and inspiring listeners.
“From a humble beginning to becoming a household name, this station has remained committed to delivering high-quality content, entertainment, education, and information to our esteemed listeners,” he said.
“We have covered local and international news, promoted cultural heritage, given a platform for voices to be heard, and most importantly, provided clarity on the activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In doing this, the station has satisfactorily denied oxygen to agents of disinformation and misinformation,” he added.
The station has also contributed to local culture through music, indigenous storytelling, and community engagement. It has supported the Armed Forces’ non-kinetic operations by fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and building empathy.
“As we commemorate this milestone, we stand ready to reach even greater heights. The Armed Forces Radio 107.7 FM will continue to innovate, expand our reach and deepen our impact. Our commitment to quality broadcasting, community engagement and listener satisfaction remains unwavering,” he stated.
“We will continue to inspire our troops to think of the nation first, just as our listeners will be encouraged to provide information on relevant developments within their localities through appropriate channels,” he said.
General Musa also expressed gratitude to partners who supported the station, including the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria.
“These two broadcast giants have provided critical manpower support for us in the past 10 years. We are profoundly grateful. I thank the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission for providing the environment and guidance. To the staff of the station, I also say thank you; without your devotion and dedication to duty, this achievement would not have come to fruition,” he added.
Delivering the anniversary lecture, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, speaking on “The Role of Broadcasting in Counter-Insurgency Operations,” said radio remains a powerful tool for unity and peace.
According to him, insurgents often operate under controversial beliefs shaped by years of indoctrination, but “with radio, one could counter their beliefs.”
He said: “The mind is in construction. Their minds have been constructed in a way, but with radio, we can dissolve the constructed mindset and provide counter-narratives to those sections of society that may still sympathise with insurgents.”
Professor Adeniyi noted that “reporting any kind of warfare involves propaganda, which, although often seen as negative, is a legitimate means of changing perception when used systematically to benefit national security.”
In his vote of thanks, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, encouraged Nigerians to continue tuning in to the station as the second day of the Broadcasting Exhibits begins.
PIAK