Rebecca Mu’azu, Gombe
The Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, is seeking closer collaboration with the Voice of Nigeria, VON, to spotlight the positive developments taking place across the northern region.
This intent was conveyed by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who represented Governor Yahaya during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of VON, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace.
The Director-General’s visit forms part of his broader initiative to reposition the organisation for enhanced performance, in line with global media trends and technological advancements.
He explained that his zonal tour was aimed at revitalising VON’s regional structures and motivate staff in accordance with the organisation’s renewed strategic vision.
According to Malam Ndace, the North East tour is the first in a series of visits that will extend to other zones across the country.
During these visits, he said he would assess the condition of facilities and proffer sustainable solutions.
During Malam Ndace’s visit and engagement with the government, the SSG, Professor Njodi revealed that Governor Yahaya had extended an invitation to the VON Director-General and members of senior management to attend one of the meetings of the Northern Governors’ Forum.
Njodi stated that the governor intends to rally the collective support of northern governors to help VON further amplify the positive strides being made across the 19 states in the region.
“You may not be able to visit each and every one of them as you have visited Gombe, but if you can develop a media package for the entire North, it would go a long way,” the SSG remarked.
Professor Njodi reaffirmed that VON remained a key partner in advancing the state’s development agenda and assured the Director-General of Gombe State’s support for ongoing reforms within the organisation.
He commended the restructuring efforts at VON and stated that the Gombe State Government would continue to draw lessons from the national broadcaster, particularly as the state embarks on reforming its own media institutions.
He also encouraged the Director-General of the Gombe Media Corporation, Mr. Ibrahim Isa, to adopt best practices from VON to raise broadcasting standards within the state.
“But as I always say, you remain the ‘Oga on top’, and we are ever ready to learn from you. Be assured that even in your sleep, should you call on Gombe, we will respond,” Professor Njodi said.
He went on to emphasise that the state’s projects and programmes were carefully planned to ensure a meaningful impact on the lives of its citizens.
In response, Malam Ndace pledged that VON would henceforth engage with Governor Yahaya’s quarterly Media Chat, hosted at the Gombe Media Corporation, to further amplify the state government’s activities to both national and international audiences.
During his visit, the VON Director-General also toured a number of newly constructed and renovated facilities across the state.
These included the General Hospital in Kumo, recently handed over to the Federal Government and converted into a Federal Medical Centre, a tertiary healthcare facility.
Other projects visited included the Mega Motor Park; the Science Mega Secondary School; ongoing construction within the Three Arms Zone, comprising the State Secretariat; House of Assembly Complex; High Court Complex; the Industrial Park, and various major road projects within the capital.
Malam Ndace also inspected VON’s facilities in Gombe, interacting with staff and freelance contributors from across the zone to assess infrastructure conditions and identify areas for management intervention.
He urged the staff to remain proactive and committed, noting that the revitalised Voice of Nigeria is now better positioned to tell positive stories, not just about government initiatives, but also about Nigeria’s and Africa’s rich cultural and traditional heritage.
The VON DG further encouraged the North East team to venture into underreported areas within the zone to uncover and share stories of ongoing progress, so that the wider world might gain a better understanding and appreciation of both Nigeria and the African continent.
Lateefah Ibrahim