PHOTOS: VON DG hosts RATTAWU leadership, reaffirms commitment to staff welfare

Jibrin Baba Ndace, director general (DG) of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), says he is committed to repositioning the broadcasting outfit as a true instrument of national power.

Ndace spoke in Abuja on Monday when he received the newly elected leadership of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), led by Emeka Kalu, its national president, during a courtesy visit to the VON headquarters.

He commended the emergence of the union’s leadership through a 20-hour democratic process at the seventh quadrennial national delegates conference held in Gombe, describing the outcome as a reflection of organised labour’s strength.

Ndace highlighted VON’s recent milestones, noting that the broadcasting station is being transformed into a pan-African media outlet with global recognition and respect.

He cited ongoing efforts to restore the long-dormant 250 kW digital radio mondiale (DRM) transmitter, which, according to him, will allow VON to resume shortwave broadcasting after more than a decade.

The VON DG also noted that the organisation had its first staff retreat in over 10 years, which led to the signing of a performance bond with directors and featured training sessions on artificial intelligence, content innovation, and risk management.

He said there is a collaboration between VON and broadcast organisations in China, Egypt, Tanzania, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Côte d’Ivoire, adding that discussions are ongoing with the Chinese embassy to support Mandarin-language broadcasting.

Ndace assured the union that staff welfare remains his priority, referencing the regular payment of the 13th-month salary.

While calling for constructive unionism, he sought RATTAWU’s support in delivering performance-driven governance.

Kalu commended Ndace’s leadership and pledged RATTAWU’s continued support for VON’s transformation and commitment to national development.