The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has commended the management of the Kano State Radio Corporation for its remarkable achievements in digital transformation and modernisation.
Waiya made the commendation while commissioning the corporation’s newly upgraded digital studio, where the Managing Director, Abubakar Adamu Rano, presented 57 achievements recorded by the corporation since assuming office on December 22, 2023.
The Commissioner described the development as a clear demonstration of the management’s commitment to repositioning the historic Radio Kano for modern broadcasting.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded under Rano’s leadership, noting that the Managing Director had demonstrated initiative and commitment by pursuing the digital transformation of the corporation without relying entirely on government allocations.
Rano explained that the digitalisation programme was introduced as part of efforts to modernise the corporation, improve its broadcasting operations and ensure that Radio Kano remains responsive to the changing demands of the industry, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The 57 achievements presented by the management covered various areas, including technical modernisation, digital transformation, infrastructure development, staff welfare and development, programme improvement and institutional strengthening.
WAIYA CALLS FOR RADIO KANO TRAINING INSTITUTE
Commissioner Waiya also called for the transformation of Radio Kano into a training institute, citing the station’s long history and its significant contribution to the development of journalists, broadcasters, producers and other media professionals.
He said Radio Kano had accumulated valuable institutional knowledge and experience that could be harnessed to train a new generation of media professionals.
According to him, establishing a training institute would enable the corporation to preserve its rich legacy while equipping young professionals with the skills required to meet the changing demands of the broadcasting industry.
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION WITH STATE MEDIA
Waiya further disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs was working with the Kano State House of Assembly Committee on Information to develop modalities for strengthening collaboration between government ministries, departments and agencies and state-owned media organisations.
He said the proposed arrangement would enable government agencies to work more closely with state-owned media organisations in disseminating information on government policies, programmes and activities.
The Commissioner said the initiative would strengthen public communication and improve access to timely, accurate and credible information across the state.
He urged the management and staff of Radio Kano to sustain the ongoing transformation while upholding professionalism, accuracy and responsibility in their reportage.
Among the 57 achievements highlighted by the management were the repair of the station’s lighting system, installation of a thumbprint lock at the AM on-air studio, establishment of political programmes, new media, news and current affairs, FM marketing, IT and sports units, as well as a programme review and content development committee.
Other achievements included upgrading recording software, providing internet facilities and desktop computers, establishing a training unit, repairing vehicles and air conditioners, renovating various sections of the corporation, and improving security facilities.
The corporation also upgraded its AM transmitter from 5KW to 15KW and its FM transmitter from 1KW to 2.5KW, completed the staff cafeteria, facilitated the provision of a 33KVA transformer at the Jogana Transmission Station and improved the FM transmitter room.
The management further disclosed the deployment of reporters to ministries across the state to enhance coverage of government activities and the resumption of live Friday Jumu’at prayer broadcasts from the City Central Mosque after an 18-year break.
Other achievements included upgrading the newsroom and FM on-air studio, procuring an FM exciter, renovating Radio II FM, improving facilities at the corporation’s premises and employing 23 casual staff into permanent state employment.
The management also identified the upgrading of the AM station into a fully digital broadcasting system as one of its major achievements since December 2023.
Commissioner Waiya said the digital transformation, institutional reforms and proposed training institute were important steps towards repositioning Radio Kano as a modern broadcasting, training and public information institution capable of effectively serving the people of Kano State.