Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has said it is time some government institutions at all levels operate as businesses, to reduce over-dependence on government funding.
Bago, who said this when he received the Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Muhammad Bulama, at Government House, Minna, said “this is an era of commercialisation.”
He added: “Doing so would not only curtail over-dependence on the government, but also engender development.”
The governor stated that the contribution of FRCN to nation-building could not be ignored, assuring that the state government would collaborate with the organisation for mutual benefits.
He advised the agency on how best to initiate more collaborations for funding to address it’s challenges.
Bago appreciated the idea of establishing FRCN studio in Minna, describing it as laudable.
Speaking earlier, Bulama had disclosed that the visit was to seek collaboration with the state government to enable the organisation operate optimally.
The FRCN boss noted that inadequate equipment, epileptic power supply, resources for training and retraining of staff were some of the challenges confronting the organisation, and expressed optimism that the collaboration would facilitate development not only for the state but also for the country in general.
He decried the current situation of FRCN, Kaduna, pointing out that he intended to involve the 19 Northern governors in reviving it.
The DG, however, lauded the governor for his developmental strides in the state and pledged to avail the state of all FRCN services, as it plays a significant role in the country.
