••• We’ll Promote Unbiased News and Combat Fake News, Says MD Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona
Kwara State’s media landscape received a significant boost on Thursday with the official commissioning of Emirate 98.5 FM in Ilorin.
The new radio station, established to promote cultural values, peace, and grassroots development, was officially commissioned by Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, who was ably represented by the Commissioner for Communication, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Emirate Radio House, attracted a high-powered delegation of government officials, traditional rulers, media practitioners, and community leaders from within and outside the state.
Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Emirate Radio, described radio as a powerful and enduring tool of mass communication, indispensable for informing, educating, and uniting people, particularly those in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
He stated that Emirate 98.5 FM is designed to go beyond conventional broadcasting by emphasizing unbiased news, investigative journalism, public sensitization, youth engagement, and community development.
“Emirate 98.5 FM is not just another radio station. It is a platform committed to unbiased news, the promotion of peace, rejection of hate speech, and the preservation of the Emirate’s values of love, hard work, and good character,” he assured.
He added that the timing of the commissioning was strategic, coming at a period when effective communication is crucial to supporting public enlightenment and diplomacy efforts against insecurity.
The station’s vision, according to the MD, is anchored on advanced broadcasting practices with a strong emphasis on local content, cultural promotion, and development-oriented programming, aiming to become a leading broadcast medium in Nigeria.
The event also featured a public lecture titled “It’s a New Dawn in Kwara State,” delivered by Alhaji Saadu Salaudeen, fnipr, Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Kwara State Governor, which focused on the vital role of information and communication in building an informed and engaged society.
The ceremony was graced by major dignitaries, including: HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Rulers’ Council (represented by Sheikh Shuaib Aremu Zubair, Magaji Aare of Ilorin), Hon. Abdul-Razhaq Abubakar Jiddah (SA on Special Duties to Kwara Governor), High Chief Kunle Akogun (Director of Media and Corporate Affairs, representing the Vice Chancellor of UNILORIN).
Various traditional rulers, including the Emir of Ilorin (represented) and royal fathers from outside the state, such as the Mai Tangale Gombe State and Ofor IV of Umuofor Ancient Kingdom Imo State, among others.
Emirate 98.5 FM officially commenced operations immediately following the colourful commissioning ceremony.
