Kwara State governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has urged members of the fourth estate of the realm to refrain from reporting stories that glorify insecurity or create unnecessary fear.

Speaking at the commissioning of Emirate Radio 98.5FM Station in Ilorin, Kwara State recently, he suggested the media should enlighten, educateand support efforts that foster development, stability, and social cohesion.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, Abdulrazaq stated, “as we celebrate this achievement, I wish to remind us that the power of broadcasting comes with responsibility. Radio remains one of the most influential tools for informing and shaping public opinion, particularly at the grassroots. I therefore urge Emirate Radio 98.5FM to uphold professionalism by reporting accurately, responsibly, and fairly.”

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Emirate 98.5 FM, Abdulazeez Arowona disclosed the station is advancing broadcasting with focus on local content, promotion of cultural values and development agenda.
He observed in the digital/multimedia age, radio still remains a most powerful tool of mass communication.

To those with access to other platforms, such as the social media, Arowona added radio still remains powerful; even more so for those without access to social media, those who live in isolated or remote communities.

Describing radio as a powerful platform for its ability to inform, educate, entertain, and bridge gaps between government and the people, even in isolated areas, he said, “Emirate 98.5 FM is not just another radio station; it is a platform for investigative journalism (not sit-at-home investigation), entertainment, sensitisation and orientation. The station’s focus on promoting the Emirate culture of love, peace, understanding, hard work, and good character is praiseworthy.”

Saying the station is also posed to be an undisputable leading broadcasting media in Kwara State and beyond through prominence on engaging content, unbiased news, and rejection of hate speech, he noted the station would amplify voices of the people, interact with its listeners, reflect their needs and aspirations, and serve as a platform for public diplomacy campaigns, youth engagement/empowerment as well as community development.

In conclusion, Arowona added the commissioning could not have come at a better time, when the need to leverage information and communication to rev up the public enlightenment/diplomacy campaign against insecurity.

In his lecture, titled, ‘Excellence in professionalism, The key to modern radio broadcasting,’ Senior Adviser & Counsellor to Governor AbdulRazaq, Saadu Salaudeen, noted excellence in professionalism is not a destination, but a journey that requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to delivering the best possible service to audience.

To him, “as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of the media industry today , one thing remains constant – the need for professionalism. Radio broadcasting has come a long way since its inception, and with the advent of technology, the opportunities and challenges have multiplied.”

In today’s world, he observed radio is no longer just about broadcasting, but engaging, informing, and entertaining audiences.

To achieve excellence in professionalism, Salaudeen suggested there is need to prioritise content, innovation and creativity; audience-centric approach and audience segmentation using demographic details.