By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The media team of Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, has received national recognition following commendation from the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, VON, Jibrin Ndace, who described its unity, professionalism and teamwork as exemplary and worthy of emulation across the country.

Ndace also pledged that the nation’s external broadcasting service would strengthen its partnership with the Kebbi State Government to project the achievements of the Idris administration and showcase the state’s investment opportunities to both local and international audiences.

The VON Director-General gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving the Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed , who led the governor’s media team on an advocacy and courtesy visit to the headquarters of the organisation.

Describing the visit as a “homecoming,” Ndace recalled his long-standing relationship with Kebbi State dating back to his career as a reporter, during which he covered major events, including the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival and other landmark government activities.

He singled out the cordial working relationship among the Commissioner for Information, the Chief Press Secretary and other media aides to Governor Idris, saying such cooperation was uncommon in many states.

“I know in many states you don’t see the Commissioner for Information working in harmony with the Chief Press Secretary or the Special Adviser on Media. I am happy that in your case it is different. I see a sign of good relationship and leadership from the Commissioner,” Ndace said.

He urged the media team to sustain the spirit of unity, noting that a coordinated communication strategy was essential for effectively projecting government programmes and countering misinformation.
The VON boss assured the delegation that the organisation would continue to deploy its expanding broadcast platforms to promote Kebbi State. He disclosed that VON currently broadcasts in nine languages, including the recently introduced Mandarin, with plans to add Portuguese to broaden its global reach.

According to him, sustained coverage of the state’s achievements under Governor Idris would enhance Kebbi’s international visibility and attract investors.

Ndace also requested the state government to host a management and editorial team from VON on a familiarisation tour of ongoing projects across the state, explaining that firsthand assessment would enable journalists to report more accurately and serve as ambassadors of Kebbi’s development wherever they go.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, said the visit formed part of the state government’s strategy to strengthen collaboration with key media organisations and promote factual and balanced reporting of the administration’s programmes.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to openness, transparency and partnership with credible media institutions.

Ahmed highlighted the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and security, noting that Governor Idris had continued to provide logistical support to security agencies while implementing people-oriented projects across the state.

He also dismissed attempts by critics to misrepresent the security situation in Kebbi, insisting that the government was working closely with federal security agencies to address emerging threats while creating a conducive environment for investment and economic growth.

The visit ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deeper collaboration in promoting Kebbi State’s development agenda through responsible, professional and factual journalism.