…As NUJ rallies support, hails ultramodern broadcast centre

 

Officials of the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC) have said that the media organization will relocate from the fire-ravaged old headquarters to its ultra-modern broadcast complex, as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), State Council, paid a solidarity visit to sympathize with the corporation over the devastating fire incident.

Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of KSMC, Ben Kure, the Executive Director, Television Services, Malam Zakari Aliyu, thanked the NUJ leadership for the visit, describing it as timely despite coming months after the incident.

“We consider it coming at the right time because no matter what happened, what had happened had happened. We sincerely appreciate this kind gesture. In times like this, only those who truly matter in your life identify with your pains,” he said.

Aliyu described the long-standing relationship between KSMC and the NUJ as invaluable, noting that the corporation has remained one of the strongest pillars of the Kaduna State Council.

“KSMC has always been a chapter to reckon with. We have produced former NUJ chairmen and veterans who continue to contribute immensely to journalism in Kaduna State.”

He also commended the NUJ leadership for supporting Governor Uba Sani’s administration through responsible journalism.

“We have been seeing what you are doing for NUJ members and your efforts in projecting the positive image of the government. That is commendable, and I urge you to continue.”

Besides, Aliyu disclosed that following the fire outbreak at the old headquarters about five months ago, management has concluded plans to relocate all radio and television operations to the new facility.

According to him, although the relocation had been delayed because broadcasting equipment had remained in storage containers for over four years, the recent fire accelerated the decision to move.

“We are not going to wait any longer. More than half of our personnel have already relocated, and very soon all the TV and radio departments will move into this new complex.”

He revealed that temporary studio arrangements are already being put in place pending the release and installation of the new equipment.

Aliyu further described the new KSMC headquarters as one of the most sophisticated broadcast facilities on the continent.

“If this structure is finally in place, I think in the whole of Africa we don’t have studios of this nature. The facilities are state-of-the-art. They can compete not just with Channels or TVC, but with what is obtainable in Al Jazeera and CNN.”

He assured the NUJ that the council would play a key role in the formal commissioning of the facility.

“There is no way KSMC will commission an edifice of this nature without involving the NUJ. We will invite the State Council to be part of the planning committee.”

Aliyu praised Governor Uba Sani for responding promptly to the fire disaster, revealing that the Deputy Governor visited the scene while the inferno was still raging.

“The governor was in Abuja when the incident occurred, but he immediately directed the Deputy Governor to visit the scene. We appreciate the government’s concern.”

He explained that although the fire lasted nearly 12 hours and completely destroyed the recording studio, no lives were lost and major broadcasting facilities remained intact.

“The TV and radio transmission facilities were not affected. It was the recording studio that was completely destroyed.”

Aliyu disclosed that the state government has already assessed the damage and requested KSMC’s immediate rehabilitation needs.

“The damage is beyond what the agency can handle. We have submitted our requests, and we are optimistic that with government intervention, everything will soon be fixed.”

Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Kaduna State Council, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, said the visit was to identify with the management and staff of KSMC following the fire incident.

He apologized for the delayed visit, explaining that he was away when the incident occurred.

“No matter how late, it was important for us to come because whatever happens to KSMC affects the Kaduna State Council.”

Alabelewe described KSMC as one of the council’s most influential chapels.

“If there is no KSMC, then Kaduna State Council will just be standing on one leg.

The chapel has produced prominent leaders of the council and remains one of our largest and strongest.”

The NUJ chairman also applauded the state government and KSMC management for constructing what he described as one of Nigeria’s finest broadcast facilities.

“This is not just a gigantic building. In terms of equipment and facilities, it is one of the best studios in the country. It even houses a studio capable of producing cinema-quality films.”

He further commended KSMC management for prioritizing staff welfare beyond salaries.

“We are aware of the support and welfare packages extended to our members. We appreciate a management that is passionate about the wellbeing of its workforce.”

The visit ended with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between KSMC and the NUJ while expressing optimism that the corporation’s new broadcast complex will soon become fully operational.

Highlights of the visit were the group photograph with NUJ Exco members and some management staff of the KSMC, in addition to the tour of the affected departments of the Corporation.