Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday in commemoration of World Radio Day, said the Federal Government is committed to expanding community radio as a tool to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Idris stated that owing to the radio’s wide-reaching information dissemination, “the government has initiated necessary reforms in the process of establishing community radio stations.”
The minister revealed that the theme for this year’s celebration titled, ‘Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating,’ “reflects the remarkable achievement of radio as a means of communication and information for over 100 years, inspite of the advent of social media.
Idris stressed that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is ready to provide a more conducive environment for other radio stations to emerge, and at the same time, strengthen the already-established ones.
“As we celebrate with the rest of the world, I urge all radio stations, whether traditional or online, to be more responsible in their operations by adhering to the principles and the ethics of broadcasting” he said.
“Editorial functions, such as fact-checking, objectivity, and balance, must be ensured before news is released”
“We must uphold the credibility and trust associated with radio, which most Nigerians value highly” he said.
“I congratulate radio listeners and urge them to use radio to learn, grow, and make their voices heard. I congratulate UNESCO for reminding us of the value radio adds to our lives,” Idris said.
A collection of vintage radios
Deji Ogunsola reports that World Radio Day is celebrated annually every Feb. 13, with radio becoming an essential medium of communication in Nigeria since 1933.
