Zone “B” BON Chairman pledges stronger broadcasting for societal development.
By Ukashatu Danmadami
The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), B Zone, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Shira, has pledged the commitment of broadcasters in the zone to promoting responsible and objective programming capable of contributing to positive societal change.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Shira made the pledge during his inauguration held at the premises of the Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) in Bauchi.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, who is also the Managing Director of Bauchi Radio Corporation, said the association would prioritise unity, professionalism and excellence in broadcasting to contribute to the development of the industry.
He said BON has a collective responsibility to address pressing societal challenges, including the increasing number of out of school children, drug abuse, hate speech and other issues affecting communities.
Alhaji Umar Shira stressed the need for tolerance, discipline and continuous capacity building among broadcasters, while promoting credible information through in depth programming, research and collaboration.
He said these efforts would help strengthen professional standards and ensure that broadcasting continues to serve the public interest.
The Chairman assured members of an open door policy and thanked them for the confidence reposed in him, promising to justify their trust and work collectively with stakeholders to advance the objectives of BON.
In a goodwill message, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Alhaji Usman Usman Shehu, described Bauchi as a media friendly state, attributing this to the priority given to the media sector by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
He said the state government’s investment in its media organisations, including the provision of modern broadcasting equipment, demonstrated its commitment to strengthening the sector and promoting media freedom.
The Commissioner congratulated the newly inaugurated BON B Zone Chairman and wished him success in his new responsibility.
Inaugurating the executive, the National Vice Chairman of BON, Comrade Yusuf Alhaji Isa, who represented the National Chairman, said the association was established to promote cooperation among broadcasting organisations, protect the welfare of stations and uphold professional and operational standards.
Comrade Isa Yusuf noted that BON comprises both public and private broadcasting stations working collectively to protect their interests and improve service delivery.
He therefore urged broadcasters to give the new zonal leadership the necessary support and cooperation to enable it achieve its objectives.
In their separate remarks, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman A. Tar, and the National Chairman of the Society for Nigerian Broadcasters, Professor Umaru Abdullahi Pate, advised the new leadership to ensure that members respect professional and operational boundaries.
They also called for an environment where journalists and broadcasters can perform their duties freely and without unnecessary hindrance.
