The Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, MNIPR, has reaffirmed his commitment to institutional reforms, staff development and national service, stating that his goal is to reposition VON as a true instrument of national power.
He made this known during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), led by National President, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, popularly known as Magic Fingers, at the VON headquarters in Abuja.
Ndace congratulated the RATTAWU leadership on their emergence through a 20-hour democratic process at the Seventh Quadrennial National Delegates Conference in Gombe, describing it as a clear affirmation of organised labour’s role in strengthening public institutions.
He highlighted key milestones under his leadership, noting that VON is undergoing an institutional renewal process aimed at restoring its relevance both continentally and globally. The organisation, he said, is committed to operational excellence, digital transformation, and international expansion.
One of the flagship projects, according to the DG, is the revival of the 250KW Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) transmitter. With support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, the transmitter—dormant for over a decade—is being restored to resume shortwave broadcasting across Africa and beyond.
Also recalled was the first staff retreat in over ten years, which he described as a moment of strategic reflection. The retreat resulted in the signing of performance bonds with directors and included staff training in artificial intelligence, corporate risk management, and content innovation.
Ndace noted that the organisation has also strengthened international partnerships with broadcasters in China, Tanzania, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Côte d’Ivoire, while discussions are ongoing with the Chinese Embassy to support Mandarin-language broadcasts.
Domestically, VON has formed institutional partnerships with ASCON, NCC, NITDA, NIGCOMSAT, Galaxy Backbone, and Globacom, aimed at boosting digital capabilities and enhancing staff performance.
“Staff are VON’s greatest asset, and all our reforms are anchored on civil service rules and targeted at measurable results,” Ndace emphasised, assuring the union leaders that staff welfare remains a top priority under his leadership.
On staff redeployments, he clarified that the exercise followed the 2024 Management Retreat and was necessary to reposition the service for improved efficiency. “Many staff have welcomed the redeployments with renewed commitment. While reform may be uncomfortable, it is necessary for lasting change,” he explained.
Ndace called for collaborative and forward-looking unionism, urging RATTAWU to engage constructively with management. “Let’s promote responsible unionism—one that protects workers’ rights while supporting innovation and performance,” he said.
He commended Comrade Kalu’s service to the broadcast industry, especially at Anambra Broadcasting Service, expressing confidence that RATTAWU would be a dependable partner in the ongoing transformation of VON.
In his response, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu applauded the DG’s efforts, describing his leadership as visionary and impactful. “We appreciate your vision and fully support VON’s transformation agenda,” he stated, pledging the union’s cooperation in promoting staff welfare and national development.
