We are Here to Fix The Voice of Nigeria as A True Instrument of National Power, DG VON
- Voice of Nigeria (VON) director general, Jibrin Baba Ndace, has reaffirmed his commitment to institutional reform and transforming the broadcaster into a globally respected platform
- Ndace outlined key achievements, including restoring VON’s DRM transmitter, international partnerships, etc
- During a courtesy visit by RATTAWU's new leadership, both parties pledged collaboration toward innovation, staff development, and national service
Abuja, FCT - The director general of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, has reaffirmed his commitment to institutional reforms aimed at repositioning the organisation as a key player in national development and international broadcasting.
He gave the assurance while receiving the newly elected leadership of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU) during a courtesy visit to VON headquarters in Abuja.
Source: UGC
Labour endorses VON's transformation efforts
Welcoming the RATTAWU executives led by national president, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, Ndace hailed their emergence through a “20-hour democratic process” during the union’s recent delegates’ conference in Gombe.
He described the outcome as a victory for organised labour and a sign of its critical role in public service transformation.
Ndace outlined ongoing institutional reforms at VON, including efforts to restore the long-dormant 250KW Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) transmitter to resume shortwave broadcasting after more than a decade. He said the move will enable VON to reach audiences across Africa and beyond, with the support of President Bola Tinubu and the minister of information, Mohammed Idris.
He noted the organisation's strategic shift toward operational excellence, digital transformation, and international relevance.
Ndace speaks on staff welfare, development
The VON boss highlighted the hosting of the first staff retreat in over 10 years, which led to the signing of performance bonds and training sessions in areas such as artificial intelligence, risk management, and content innovation.
Ndace emphasised his administration's commitment to staff welfare, including regular payment of a 13th-month salary. He described civil servants as the organisation’s greatest asset and assured that all reforms are anchored in public service rules.
He cited new partnerships with international broadcasters in China, Tanzania, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Côte d’Ivoire, including ongoing discussions with the Chinese Embassy to support Mandarin-language broadcasting.
Domestically, VON is working with agencies such as ASCON, NCC, NITDA, NIGCOMSAT, Galaxy Backbone, and Globacom to drive digital growth and boost operational efficiency.
Ndace addresses redeployments of staff
Addressing recent redeployments within the organisation, Ndace explained they followed the 2024 management retreat and were aimed at realigning operations. He said the exercise was generally well-received and urged union leaders to engage constructively.
He called on RATTAWU to collaborate responsibly with management in safeguarding workers’ rights while supporting reforms, innovation, and performance-based leadership.
Ndace reaffirmed VON’s alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the policy direction of the Minister of Information. He reiterated his strategic priorities – People, Platform, and Partnership – in building a world-class public broadcaster.
RATTAWU reaffirms support for VON vision
In his remarks, RATTAWU President Emeka Kalu praised Ndace’s leadership and welcomed VON’s transformation efforts.
He pledged the union’s continued support for the reforms, particularly those focused on staff welfare, excellence, and national development.
Source: Legit.ng
