'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, has commissioned the refurbished Radio House Building in Abuja, marking a historic step in revitalizing the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s infrastructure.
The iconic 14-story building, which had suffered nearly two decades of neglect, has been transformed into a modern and functional workspace. Speaking after a facility tour, the Minister described the previous state of the building as deplorable. "Air conditioning systems were broken, lifts were non-functional, and staff had to climb as many as ten floors to access their offices. Even the restrooms were unusable. It was an unacceptable situation," he said.
The Minister attributed the successful rehabilitation to the swift approval of funds by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. "Thanks to Mr. President’s gracious intervention, we now have a fully functional and conducive workspace. For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Radio House is alive again, and the staff are happy," he noted.
The building, which also houses the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), has undergone a comprehensive makeover, including modernized air conditioning, operational elevators, and improved sanitary facilities.
The refurbishment is part of President Tinubu's broader vision to modernize public information infrastructure nationwide. The Minister announced plans to extend similar upgrades to key facilities, including the FRCN and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) offices in Kaduna, Lagos, and Enugu. "This initiative is about more than just buildings. We are repositioning Nigeria's media landscape to align with global best practices," he stated.
Acknowledging the government's significant investment, the Minister urged staff to demonstrate renewed dedication and professionalism. "We must support Mr. President's vision of a reawakened and repositioned Nigeria by giving our best," he emphasized.
The Minister also pledged to advocate for improved working conditions for media professionals, including a specialized salary structure to reflect the critical role they play in national development. "Because of the hazards associated with media jobs, practitioners deserve a salary structure that truly depicts their contribution to the country," he added.
During the event, Comrade Chika Ukachukwu, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee of Labour in the Ministry, expressed gratitude for the new working environment and urged staff to reciprocate the government’s efforts with increased productivity.
The Minister was presented with a Transformational Leadership Award in recognition of his commitment to fulfilling the Ministry’s vision and mandate. The award was presented by Comrade Ukachukwu, who praised the Minister's dedication and diligence.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Comfort Ajiboye; the Director-General of FRCN, Alhaji Muhammad Bulama; and other dignitaries.
The rehabilitated Radio House is expected to significantly enhance the Ministry’s operations and reaffirm the government’s commitment to fostering excellence in the media sector.
