News Investigators/ The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, has called on the management of the Armed Forces Radio to embrace deeper digital integration, wider language inclusivity and more direct citizen engagement.
The Minister made the call on Thursday in Abuja at an event to mark the 10th year anniversary of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Radio Service.
Mr Abubakar, represented by Mr Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Defence said that the Armed Forces Radio of Nigeria had been taken from a transmitter to a whole movement.
The minister said the efforts of the management to modernise the radio platform through live streaming, social media integration, podcasts and community engagement had shown remarkable foresight.
He said that the radio platform had reached the youths, engaged the diaspora and extended the voice of the military to every corner of Nigeria.
According to him, the radio platform had proven that innovation, when anchored in purpose, can transform public service through broadcasting into a force for national unity.
“However, on this 10th anniversary, we must not see this as a resting point. Let it be a call for greater ambition, a call for greater heights and a call to reach for the skies.
“The next decade must embrace deeper digital integration, wider language inclusivity, more direct citizen engagement.
“Let’s amplify the voices of the veterans, their families, our troops on the front lines, ordinary Nigerians whose security concerns deserve to be heard and addressed.
“Let’s, therefore, ensure that from the cities to the most remote villages, no voice is lost, and no signal is out of reach,” he said.
In his remark, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa said that the establishment of the Armed Forces Radio had satisfactorily denied oxygen to agents of disinformation and misinformation.
The CDS said that the radio platform has fostered community dialogue by addressing social issues, promoting understanding and building empathy.
He said that the platform has been a critical instrument of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s non-kinetic operations.
Musa said that the military had over the past decade witnessed the power of radio to transform lives, shape public opinion and inspire listeners.
“From a humble beginning to becoming a household name, this station has remained committed to delivering high-quality content, entertainment, education and information to our esteemed listeners.
“We have covered local and international news, promoted cultural heritage, given a platform for voices to be heard and most importantly, provided clarity on the activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“In doing this, the station has satisfactorily denied oxygen to agents of disinformation and misinformation,” he said.
NAN
