The Kogi State Government has commenced plans to construct a permanent and modern structure for Radio Kogi, Okeneba, in a move aimed at strengthening the state’s broadcasting infrastructure and improving service delivery across Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this during the presentation of a cheque to the landowner for the acquisition of the site earmarked for the project.
Fanwo said the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is determined to provide the station with a befitting facility that will enhance broadcasting operations and ensure more effective communication with the people.
According to him, Radio Kogi already operates from permanent structures in Lokoja, Ochaja, and Egbe, while Okeneba remains the only station without a permanent operational base.
He described the situation as unacceptable and assured staff members that the government would reward their years of sacrifice and dedication.
“We currently have permanent structures at Lokoja, Ochaja and Egbe. The only place we do not have a permanent structure for our radio station is here in Okeneba. This is unacceptable, and we will repay our staff’s years of sacrifice here,” Fanwo stated.
The Commissioner noted that the proposed project would stand as one of the landmark achievements of the Ododo administration in the information and communications sector. He added that the government remains committed to using the broadcast media as a tool for mobilizing citizens, promoting inclusion, and encouraging greater participation in governance.
“This is going to be one of the legacy projects of the Ododo Administration as we continue to leverage our broadcast media to mobilize our people for participation in governance and inclusion,” he said.
Fanwo commended the staff of Radio Kogi Okeneba for their resilience and commitment despite operating under difficult conditions for many years.
“I want to thank our staff here for their decades of sacrifice and for continuing to deliver despite the uncomfortable environment,” he added.
In a related development, the Commissioner announced that Governor Ododo has approved funds for the rehabilitation of critical facilities at the station to restore transmission services after more than eight weeks of disruption caused by equipment failure.
He explained that the approved intervention would facilitate the replacement of faulty equipment and enable the station to return to the airwaves with improved service delivery.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved funds to replace some faulty facilities that have kept us off air at Okeneba for over eight weeks. We apologize to our people and assure them that we will soon resume transmission with better service delivery,” Fanwo said.
The Commissioner also appreciated the host community for its continued support and cooperation, assuring residents that Radio Kogi Okeneba would continue to promote the cultural heritage, values, and aspirations of the people of Kogi Central.
The planned construction of a permanent station and the rehabilitation of transmission facilities highlight the Ododo administration’s commitment to strengthening government-owned media platforms as effective instruments for information dissemination, civic engagement, and cultural preservation.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Director-General of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Princess Nana Hauwa Yussuff; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Awulu Tijani David; the Technical Assistant to the Ministry, Mr. Ebenezer Adurodija; the Director of Accounts, Mr. Haruna Yakubu; and other senior officials of the ministry.
