Radio Station Deepens Agric Advocacy

Zuma 88.5 FM has marked 20 years of broadcasting with the hosting of its 9th agricultural harvest festival, a milestone, the station said, reflected the growing national recognition of community radio as a driver of agricultural development and rural inclusion.

In a statement signed by the managing director of the station, Shuaibu Kere Ahmed, the radio station said the anniversary event reflected both its longevity and its growing national relevance, particularly in advancing agriculture, climate engagement and grassroots development communication.

Ahmed said the festival attracted strong federal-level participation, a development he described as a clear indication of increasing recognition of Zuma FM’s impact beyond Niger State.

He noted that the presence of senior government officials and agencies underpinned the value of community-based media in bridging the gap between policy formulation and implementation at the rural level.

According to the statement, dignitaries at the event included; senior special assistant to the president on climate change and stakeholder engagement, Ibrahim Shelleng,  executive-secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund(NADF), Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, and Bello Bawa Bwari, director-general of the National Biosafety Management Agency.

Others were Adamu Tanko, a member of the House of Representatives representing Suleja/Tafa/Gurara Federal Constituency, and Rabiu Ibrahim, special adviser on media, who represented the minister of information and national orientation.

Ahmed said the turnout of multiple federal institutions and presidential representation highlighted Zuma FM’s consistent contribution to agricultural advocacy, rural inclusion and climate awareness over the past two decades.

He described the station as a trusted grassroots platform that has remained focused on amplifying the voices of farmers and rural communities.

He added that the agricultural harvest festival, now in its ninth consecutive edition, has served as a bridge between farmers, policymakers, financial institutions and development agencies, helping to translate government programmes and institutional support into tangible outcomes at the community level.

Reflecting on the station’s journey, Ahmed said Zuma FM was founded on the belief that media should function as infrastructure for development, not merely as a channel for entertainment and news dissemination. He noted that the station’s consistent engagement with rural audiences has enabled it to play a strategic role in promoting agricultural transformation and inclusive development.