We’ve Overhauled Bauchi Information Machinery, Says Gov Mohammed

Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, said that his government has, over the last five years, invested heavily in the media in recognition of the fact that it is a powerful tool for communication, development and accountability.

Governor Bala said, “As a former journalist and still a journalist, I have an intimate understanding of the vital role the media play in the society.”

Mohammed, who declared open the 80th meeting of the General Assembly of Broadcasting Organizations in Nigeria (BON), explained that broadcasting is more than just a profession; it is also a calling, a responsibility, and a fundamental pillar of governance and democracy.

The governor stated that it is through the voices of broadcasters that society is informed, educated and united, which roles he posited, his administration fully recognised and adopted.

To this end, the governor explained that his administration embarked on revitalising the State Radio Corporation and upgraded the AM and FM facilities with state-of-the-art digital transmitters to enhance efficiency and reach.

Governor Bala added, “Our television station also received a major boost. We awarded and executed contracts for the whole digitalization, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. Modern digital transmitters were installed to ensure that the people of Bauchi and indeed Nigeria receive high-quality and uninterrupted broadcast services.”

Senator Bala Mohammed disclosed that his government recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Galaxy Backbone to strengthen the Bauchi State Bureau for Information, Communication, Technology, and Digital Economy.

According to him, the partnership will expand the state’s digital infrastructure, ensuring that Bauchi State is heard beyond its borders.

Mohammed reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the media as a cornerstone of democracy and good governance. He emphasised the importance of responsible journalism in shaping public discourse and fostering national unity.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON), Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos recalled that BON was established in 1978 as an umbrella body and the meeting point of all chief executives of broadcast media in the country, both public and private.

Represented by Yusuf Isah, the BON chairman commended the Bauchi State government for giving its own media outfits a new outlook and congratulated the state’s new commissioner of information and communication on his appointment.

The chief host and Bauchi State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon. Usman Shehu Usman, highlighted the remarkable transformation of state-owned media under the present administration.