By Our Correspondent

The Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Muhammad Bulama, has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing staff welfare and improving working conditions within the organization. He made this pledge during his official visit to Radio Nigeria Jewel FM in Gombe State.

Addressing staff and management of the station, Dr. Bulama emphasized the critical role of radio broadcasting in national development and assured workers that their welfare would remain central to his administration’s policies.

“We recognize the sacrifices you make to keep the public informed, educated, and entertained. As an institution, we are committed to ensuring that your welfare and working environment reflect the value you bring to the organization and the nation,” he stated.

In his response, the General Manager of Jewel FM, Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta, expressed gratitude to the Director-General for the visit. He assured the DG of the station’s determination to uphold professionalism and deliver quality broadcasting services to the people of Gombe State and beyond.

“We are deeply honored by your visit, sir. It motivates us to continue striving for excellence and to keep lifting the standard of this station,” Dr. Danbatta remarked.

The Director-General also took a tour of the station’s facilities, inspecting key departments and interacting with staff members. He commended the efforts of the management and staff in maintaining the station’s operations despite challenges and promised to address areas requiring urgent attention.

Dr. Bulama’s visit to Jewel FM is seen as part of his broader effort to strengthen the FRCN network and boost staff morale across its stations nationwide.

By Yakubu Halliru

The Gombe State Ministry of Works, Housing, and Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining building standards and ensuring the longevity of structures across the state. This was highlighted during the annual meeting, induction of new members, and a public lecture organized by the Gombe State Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). The event focused on the pressing issue of incessant building collapses in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transport, Engineer Usman Maijamaa Kallamu, emphasized the ministry’s dedication to enforcing building standards within the legal framework. Represented by Engineer Danladi Mela Kabillis, the commissioner assured that the ministry is working tirelessly to ensure that contractors strictly adhere to established building ethics and standards. He also noted that the state’s Steering Committee on building regulations, led by Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, remains committed to upholding all relevant rules and regulations.

The event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Magret Aina, the National President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, called on engineers nationwide to ensure compliance with construction laws to prevent the loss of lives and property. Represented by Engineer Hamman Dikko, Dr. Aina expressed satisfaction with the leadership of the NSE at both the national and state levels. She urged the engineering community in Gombe State to adopt rigorous monitoring and supervision practices for all construction projects to ensure adherence to building standards.

The guest lecturer, Engineer Usman Abubakar from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, delivered an insightful lecture on the recurring issue of building collapses in Nigeria. He noted that the frequent collapses, particularly in densely populated areas such as Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, are largely due to the use of substandard building materials and the rapid pace of construction in these regions.

In his welcome address, the outgoing Chairman of the Gombe State Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engineer Hamzat Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the members for their support during his tenure. He also urged them to extend the same support to the incoming executives.

The event also featured the presentation of awards of excellence to distinguished members of the engineering community. Among the honorees was Engineer Hafsat Sulaiman Jalo from the Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, who was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of engineering.

The lecture and subsequent discussions underscored the critical need for strict adherence to building regulations to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety and well-being of communities across Nigeria.

By our correspondent

Listeners of the FRCN kaduna national station have expressed concern over the power disconnection of the station which render it off air.

Some of the listeners who spoke to our Reporter in ikara, Zaria, kaduna and makarfi expressed disappointment that for almost two months the station has been completely off air.

One of those who spoke, Musa Ibrahim Kofar doka said he is missing the station and called for concerted effort to address the situation.

He said the station has been playing a vital role in not only propagating government policies and program but also in enlightening and educating the citizenry.

Another concerned listener, Hassan Tashar yari calls on federal government to take decisive step aimed at rehabilitating the moribund station .

According to him the situation the station found itself in, is unfortunate, stressing that this is the first time the station has been off air for a long period in about ten years.

While expressing sadness over the incident Mal Hassan Tashar yari called on the Arewa consultative forum and other Northern elders to intervene to save the station from total collapse.

Recalled that about two months ago kaduna electric distribution company has disconnected the station from national grid in both Jaji and kaduna thereby jeopardizing the station operations .

They also appeals to the federal government through the ministry of information and national orientation to take step to address the lingering problems of power supply for the attainment of set objectives for the development of the country.