Protocol.
Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, ladies, and gentlemen.
It is an honour to welcome you all to this historic management retreat, the first of its kind in over fourteen years. This gathering serves as a moment to reflect, to celebrate our progress, and to chart a course for a future where Voice of Nigeria (VON) resonates not only within our nation but also across global borders.
First, I must extend my heartfelt appreciation to our President and Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for entrusting me with the leadership of VON and for the love he has for Nigeria and Nigerians, Africa and Africans. His support has been invaluable, reinforcing our purpose and empowering us to pursue our mission with renewed vigor.
I will also like to commend the Chairman Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, Senator Engr. Eze Kenneth Emeka and the Chairman House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, Honourable Fatoba Olusola Steve for all the support they are giving to our agency in the National Assembly.
My sincere gratitude also goes to the Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris FNIPR, for his unwavering guidance and belief in the transformative potential of VON and also gratitude’s to the Special Guest of Honour, Mr Dele Alake, for honouring our invitation, a mentor and leader in the media industry.
I also wish to acknowledge my colleagues and fellow Directors General within the Ministry of Information and National Orientation—at NTA, FRCN, NAN, ARCON, NPC, and NBC—as well as the Presidential Media Team led by my esteemed senior colleague and mentor, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. Their support and collaboration have significantly strengthened our shared mission to enhance Nigeria’s image and effectively communicate government policies.
In addition, I would like to recognize and thank the past Directors General of Voice of Nigeria, our esteemed Executive Directors, and retired staff members whose dedication laid the foundation for the organization we have today. Their tireless efforts, vision, and commitment to excellence have shaped VON into a trusted and respected institution. It is because of their groundwork that we are able to build and aspire toward even greater heights.
Since stepping into this role, my leadership has been guided by a three-pronged approach focused on People, Platform, and Partnerships.
People are the heartbeat of VON. This includes my directors, deputy directors, unit heads, reporters, security personnel, NYSC members, interns, and all staff who make up this dynamic organization. I am committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork, where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. I have especially prioritized youth engagement, as they are the future of Nigeria. Developing programming that resonates with young audiences ensures that they are not only informed but also part of an inclusive government narrative.
Furthermore, I have strengthened relationships with external stakeholders by attending key events and activities, demonstrating our commitment to serving as Nigeria’s trusted voice to the world. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Abdullahi Dikko, a loyal listener from Côte d’Ivoire, who reminded us of the power of VON as a source of credible information. He emphasized the importance of restoring our transmitter to reach audiences across the African continent. I assured him that, with the support of the President and the Minister of Information, efforts are underway to enhance both our broadcasting infrastructure and digital platforms.
Our platform is essential to achieving VON’s mission. With continued efforts to expand our digital footprint, we’re working to ensure that our content is available across all platforms and devices. This strategy allows us to keep pace with the changing media landscape while maintaining the authenticity of our traditional broadcasts.
Lastly, Partnerships are the bridge that connects us with the world. Since my appointment, we have forged new alliances and strengthened existing ones. Our collaboration with the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation has enabled staff exchanges that enrich our Swahili broadcasts and deepen our regional presence. Similarly, our partnership with the U.S. Agency for Global Media has expanded VON’s international reach by enabling the retransmission of Voice of America content. This partnership broadens our programming and solidifies VON’s role as a central player in Africa’s media ecosystem. Additionally, we continue to collaborate with local and international media organizations to advance positive narratives for Africa, underscoring the fact that Nigeria remains a beacon of heritage, strength, and opportunity.
We have also collaborated with various government agencies, encouraging them to leverage our multilingual capabilities to share their positive stories with diverse audiences. For example, we are working with the Ministry of Solid Minerals, NCC, the Nigerian Army, and other organizations to create dedicated programs. This approach aligns with the directives of our Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who has underscored the importance of promoting the activities of our agencies as a priority. By highlighting their achievements and contributions across multiple languages, we are not only fostering greater national unity but also ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of language or location, feels connected to the progress our government is making.
People, Platform, and Partnerships—these are the pillars of my strategic vision for VON. These principles guide our every initiative and will shape the future of VON as a pillar of Nigeria’s soft power.
As we embark on this retreat, I encourage each of you to share your ideas and insights openly. Together, we will define a clear path for VON’s future, keeping in mind our theme, “VON in the 21st Century: Restrategizing for Global Impact.” This theme embodies our commitment to innovate, strengthen our digital and broadcast presence, and engage our audiences at every level.
To our distinguished guests and speakers, I extend my deepest gratitude for joining us today. Your expertise and insights will be invaluable as we lay the groundwork for VON’s future. And to all of you gathered here, thank you for your dedication and hard work.
Let us work together to build a future where Voice of Nigeria continues to be a source of pride, unity, and global influence.
Thank you.
