FEBRUARY 13, 2017 – As part of the celebration of World Radio Day today, acting General Manager of Radio Niger, Andrew Achanya, called for the establishment of more stations in the country to ensure increased flow of information.
He made the call in an interview in Minna on Sunday.
Achanya, who expressed concern over the number of radio stations in the country, said the country was still lagging behind in information dissemination through radio.
He added that there were more than 11,000 radio stations in the United States alone, while countries in Europe had more than the number in Nigeria.
He said Nigeria was mature enough to have radio stations in each community or in every local government area for the purpose of informing the people.
“Information is power; people should know what is happening in their immediate community, especially on issues bordering on security, health and economy.
“Radio is the mouth organ of government, radio will sensitise people about policies of government, what the government is doing and how it intends to do it.”
The general manager also called on children and women to take some time to listen to Radio Niger because it airs many UNICEF programmes.
He said “there are many issues bordering on education, health and the general wellbeing of the child, the girl-child especially, sponsored by UNICEF.
“Such programmes help young women to know the causes of Vesico Vaginal Fistula, polio and the consequence of Female Genital Mutilation, among others.”
He commended the people for listening to the state radio, adding that 80 per cent of Niger people listened to radio always.
There are about 10 radio stations in the state, comprising private, campus and government-owned.
Proclaimed by the UN Assembly in 2011, World Radio Day is celebrated annually on Feb. 13 to celebrate radio as a medium; to improve international cooperation between broadcasters and to encourage major networks.
The theme for 2017 edition is “Radio is You!”, a call for greater participation of audiences and communities in the policy and planning of radio broadcasting.
