By Aliyu Usman
Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, has congratulated the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) on their milestone anniversaries, acknowledging the vital role of the media in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic governance.
The NUJ marked its 70th anniversary on March 15, 2025, while FRCN is celebrating 63 years of broadcasting excellence on March 17.
In separate goodwill messages to the leadership of both institutions, signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru, Governor Idris praised the media industry for its commitment to democracy and national development.
He commended the NUJ for its resilience in shaping the media landscape and upholding press freedom, a key pillar of democracy. The governor noted that these achievements were made possible through the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria.
Having weathered various challenges over the past seven decades, Governor Idris urged journalists to remain steadfast in advocating for press freedom, ethical journalism, improved welfare, and better working conditions for their members.
As a former unionist and advocate of transparency and accountability, he pledged his administration’s continued support for the NUJ, particularly in capacity-building initiatives and the adoption of modern technology in journalism, in line with international best practices.
The governor also commended journalists in Kebbi State for their balanced and extensive coverage of his administration’s achievements over the past two years, which he described as remarkable and unprecedented.
Additionally, Governor Idris extended his felicitations to the management and staff of FRCN, Kaduna, on their 63rd anniversary. He lauded the station’s commitment to professionalism and excellence in broadcasting, recognizing its crucial role in promoting peace, democracy, and socio-economic development, especially in Northern Nigeria.
Tracing the history of the station, he highlighted its transformation from the Broadcasting Company of Northern Nigeria (BCNN) in 1962 to Radio Television Kaduna (RTK), before being incorporated into FRCN in 1978. He praised past and present managements for preserving one of the legacies of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
Governor Idris emphasized that FRCN’s extensive reach has contributed immensely to national unity and democratic governance, making it an invaluable institution in Nigeria’s media landscape.