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  • Pantami, Ndace mentor young communicators on artificial intelligence, professionalism

    Pantami, Ndace mentor young communicators on artificial intelligence, professionalism

    Participants of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship have concluded high-level institutional tours, featuring intensive mentorship sessions with former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, and the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace.

    The engagements in Abuja focused on media ethics, professionalism, artificial intelligence, national security, and the future of communication practice, strengthening the Fellowship’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for young media talents. The tours were led by Dahiru Lawal, PRNigeria Centre’s Head of Special Projects, and Zekeri Laruba, the Fellowship Coordinator.

    Receiving the cohort, Pantami underscored the importance of structured mentorship, describing it as the fastest route for young professionals to acquire wisdom that ordinarily takes decades to gather. He noted that no successful person is self-made, stressing that individuals grow faster when guided by those who have walked the path before them.

    Pantami, who outlined the qualities in today’s media practice, including curiosity, objectivity, accuracy, fairness, integrity, and strong research skills, cautioned against compromising ethical standards for favours, financial rewards or political influence. Acknowledging AI as a helpful verification tool, he insists the technology cannot replace primary data gathering, ethical judgment, or intuition.

    The professor of cybersecurity encouraged the fellows to continuously upskill, reskill, and cross-skill, adding that modern communicators must be multidisciplinary to remain competitive. He believes Nigeria’s security challenges can be tackled more effectively through technology-driven intelligence and professional conduct within security agencies.

    In his mentorship session, VON DG Jibrin Ndace urged the fellows to take their professional paths seriously and appreciate the access and influence that journalism and public relations provide. Warning against misinformation, he advised them to deepen their knowledge about the country and avoid sharing unverified content as media credibility depends on accuracy, restraint, and responsibility.

    Ndace emphasised the importance of human relationships, social intelligence, and self-development, adding that mentorship opens doors to opportunities, recommendations, and even mercy in critical moments. He commended Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) for its commitment to grooming young communication professionals, describing them as a representation of the nation’s potential.

    During the enlightening visit, the fellows toured several Voice of Nigeria facilities, including the newsroom, digital media department, and control room, gaining a firsthand understanding of global broadcasting operations.

    The PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship is a career-building programme for graduates aged 20 to 30 who are passionate about journalism, public relations, and digital communication. Organised by the IMPR, publishers of PRNigeria and other titles, the fellowship runs across Abuja, Kano, and Ilorin.

    It focuses on strategic communication, public relations, journalism, fact-checking, social media management, and the application of AI in modern journalism. The programme blends lectures, workshops with industry leaders, hands-on training, and media excursions to provide a comprehensive and practical learning experience.

  • Ndace and the ‘Voice’ of Vision

    Ndace and the ‘Voice’ of Vision

    By Ahmed Balarabe Sa’id

    In today’s world, nations no longer compete only in markets and militaries, but also in stories. The ability to tell one’s own story and tell it well, has become a strategic asset.

    For decades, the Voice of Nigeria (VON) was that window through which the world listened to Nigeria: its values, its aspirations, its vision. But over time, that once-powerful voice grew faint, muffled by neglect and the restless advance of technology.

    Now, the tide is turning. VON is on a steady path of renewal, through reform, innovation, and a restored sense of mission. The station is reconnecting with its founding philosophy: that Nigeria must be heard clearly, with dignity and authority, in the global conversation.

    At the heart of this rebirth is the recent revival of the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) transmitter project. This is no ordinary upgrade. By restoring and modernizing the 250KW TX2 transmitter at Lugbe, Abuja, the most powerful shortwave transmission station in Africa, Nigeria has taken a historic leap into the future of broadcasting. What this means is simple but profound: the world will no longer hear Nigeria’s voice drowned in static or distortion.

    Instead, it will carry the sharp clarity of FM, the reliability of digital sound, and the versatility to transmit not just audio, but text, images, and data. This technical leap is far more than the repair of machines. It is a statement, that Nigeria’s story is worth telling, and that it must be told with the best tools available.

    Leadership and the Spark of Renewal

    Every transformation has a driver. Behind the new energy at VON lies leadership that is visionary, deliberate, and courageous. In less than two years, under the direction of Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the station has witnessed a revival that goes beyond routine administration. Programming has been diversified to blend international standards with authentic Nigerian voices. Staff morale has been lifted through recognition and retraining. Partnerships have been forged to sustain momentum.

    This is what leadership does when it is powered by vision: it does not merely manage decline, it redefines possibility. It refuses to be held hostage by budgets or bureaucracy, instead galvanizing people and resources around a larger purpose. What is happening at VON today is a living example that public institutions, often written off as moribund, can breathe again with the right stewardship.

    The Promise of Technology

    The DRM transmitter is more than a shiny new gadget. It is a revolution in what broadcasting means for society. Too often in Nigeria, expensive technology is installed with fanfare, only to gather dust. This is different.

    The DRM system beams sound across continents with crisp clarity, allowing Nigerians abroad to stay connected without the frustrating hums and fades of analog shortwave.

    But the promise goes deeper. The technology transmits data alongside sound. That means headlines, weather forecasts, images, and even educational materials can ride the same frequency. During national emergencies, it can override idle receivers to deliver alerts, a vital tool for security and disaster response.

    For rural communities beyond the reach of the internet, it can beam textbooks to schools, health updates to clinics, and market prices to farmers. And all this comes with efficiency, cutting costs through energy savings and flexible, software-driven upgrades. VON is not just reclaiming a voice, it is becoming a service provider for national development.

    People, Platforms, and Partnerships

    At its core, this renewal rests on a simple but powerful triad articulated by Ndace: people, platforms, and partnerships. Technology matters, yes, but people remain the soul of every institution.

    By retraining and motivating its workforce, VON is ensuring that its staff carry the institution’s mission with pride. By investing in transmitters and digital systems, it is building the platforms to amplify Nigeria’s stories. And by cultivating partnerships, locally and internationally, it is ensuring that this revival is sustainable. This is not cosmetic change. It is structural renewal.

    Why This Matters

    Why should anyone beyond the walls of a broadcasting house care? Because broadcasting has never been just about signals. It is about identity, influence, and sovereignty. In today’s information-saturated world, nations are defined as much by the stories told about them as by their economic indicators. A country without a credible voice risks being misunderstood, or worse, defined by others.

    For Nigeria, the largest democracy in Africa, silence has never been an option. A reinvigorated VON ensures that Nigeria speaks for itself, correcting distortions, amplifying African solidarity, and offering perspectives rooted in its own lived realities. In this way, broadcasting becomes diplomacy, defense, and dignity all at once.

    A Nation Finding Its Voice Again

    The rebirth of the Voice of Nigeria is not just an institutional revival. It is a lesson in what can be achieved when vision meets will. In less than two years, transmitters long abandoned are humming again, technology once thought out of reach is now operational, programming has become richer, and pride has returned among staff. This is proof that decline is not destiny. With clarity and courage, institutions can reawaken, nations can reclaim their narratives, and voices long muted can rise again.

    Ultimately, what is happening at VON is about more than broadcasting. It is about Nigeria finding its voice in a noisy world, and ensuring that when it speaks, it does so with quality, clarity, and purpose. It is about showing that our stories matter, that they deserve to be told well, and that the world cannot afford to ignore them.

    The message is clear: Nigeria is not just speaking again. Nigeria is being heard. And it is being heard with a vision that will endure.

    Sa’id is a Communications Consultant and Public Affairs Analyst. He writes from Kaduna.

  • Hundred days of resilience, transformation, hope at VON 

    Hundred days of resilience, transformation, hope at VON 

    By Jibrin Baba Ndace

    In the hushed corridors of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), a narrative of change and renewed hope unfolded under the warm embrace of the October sun when I was appointed  Director-General/CEO of the media agency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on October 20, 2023, marking the beginning of a transformative journey within the Nigerian international broadcasting corporation.

    The handover ceremony from my predecessor, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, was more than a ceremonial passing of the baton. Stepping into leadership on October 23, 2023, the canvas of change began to take shape during my attendance at AFRICAST 2023 in Lagos. It was during this visit that I paid a visit to the Broadcasting House in Ikoyi and the Ikorodu Transmitting Station which served as poignant reminders of untapped potential, urging a commitment to revitalization.

    Returning to the heart of VON, the Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, told its own story—a tale woven with threads of promise and challenge. The deplorable state of infrastructure in Lagos reverberated through the echoing hallways of Abuja, creating a stark reality that demanded immediate attention and a resolute commitment to transformation.

    Even in the the situation at the Lugbe Transmitting Station in Abuja, a glimmer of innovation emerged through its commendable solar power facility. VON, it was evident, held promise, but it needed a guiding hand to restore its vigor.

    Yet, beyond the tangible structures and facilities, the true heartbeat of VON lay within its people. A pervasive low staff morale lingered in both Abuja and Lagos, fueled by unmet claims and promotion arrears. This challenge became the rallying cry for immediate attention and a strategic vision for a brighter future.

    Organically, imperatives emerged—a blueprint for transformation. Boosting staff morale became a mission entwined with improved welfare initiatives, regular promotions, and a cultural shift that celebrated excellence. The synergy among the Board of Management staff emerged as the adhesive binding the threads of transformation.

    Active participation at the 42nd UNESCO General Conference in Paris and the World Radio Conference in Dubai were not mere formalities but windows into global possibilities. These experiences became platforms to showcase VON’s commitment to international standards and collaborations, laying the groundwork for a globally relevant institution.

    The inaugural Board of Management meeting on December 19, 2023, was not just about discussions; it was the laying of a foundation for collaborative strategies that would steer VON towards its objectives.

    Engaging with the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, defending budgets before both Senate and House Committees, and a courtesy call on the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, transcended bureaucratic rituals. They became the building blocks of partnerships, forging alliances that would secure support and understanding.

    Engagements with public and private agencies—Thunderbird, Image Merchants Promotions Limited, SMEDAN, GOTNI, NIPR, NUJ Chairman in Minna, and representatives from Dangote Group, Jaiz Bank —were not just courtesy visits. They were conversations that opened doors, created bridges, and fostered connections vital for VON’s relevance in the broader societal landscape.

    The series of courtesy calls, including those to Media Trust, National Orientation Agency, News Agency of Nigeria, Nigerian Diaspora Commission, and Nigeria Television Authority, along with high-profile military leaders, showcased a commitment to repositioning the brand and giving it the spotlight it deserves.

    Within the first 100 days, I declared that all NYSC and interns at VON must undergo an orientation program, fostering a sense of belonging throughout their stay. Additionally, strategic partnerships with the Guards Polo Club and the CEOS network Africa were initiated, redirecting attention to the external broadcasting station of Nigeria.

    And amidst all this, the stories from the heart of VON—the views of its staff—resonated with optimism. The focus on revitalizing the dormant terrestrial broadcast, addressing equipment deterioration, and seeking government intervention for the Lugbe Transmitting Station showcased a leadership dedicated to overcoming challenges and ensuring VON’s prominence.

    As we reflect on these initial 100 days, the narrative echoes a journey underway, a story of resilience and transformation. Challenges have metamorphosed into pillars of change, and strategic initiatives are carving a path toward a future where VON stands not only as a fulfiller of mandates but as a beacon of excellence in the global media landscape. The journey continues, and as the sun sets on these first 100 days, it rises on a new dawn for the Voice of Nigeria.

    Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace is the Director General/CEO of Voice of Nigeria – VON, The Official International Broadcasting Station of Nigeria.

  • Why every journalist must be NIPR member, by VON DG

    Why every journalist must be NIPR member, by VON DG

    Voice of Nigeria (VON) Director General, Jibrin Baba Ndache at the weekend urged every journalist in the country to be a registered member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), noting that the professional body positions and creates opportunities for the media practitioners.

    Jibrin Baba Ndache, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), has called on journalists across the country to become registered members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

    He highlighted that the professional body plays a pivotal role in positioning and creating opportunities for media practitioners.

    He spoke at “Meet the President Dinner,” the institute organized in Abuja.

    Narrating his journey to success, he revealed: “NIPR is one of the institutes that made me.”

    He recalled how he started as the Personal Assistant to a minister when he was the two-term chairman of the Kaduna chapter.

    Jibrin added: “From there, I have never looked back from membership of NIPR, NUJ and other professional bodies.”

    He admonished the journalists to stop postponing their registration to when they retire.

    “I like to advise our colleagues that we shouldn’t wait until we are close to retirement of this career to join NIPR.

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    “In fact, every journalist should be an NIPR member from day one because it positions you as a person, it creates opportunities for you as an individual.”

    Ndache explained that some of the journalists who equipped themselves with public relations membership are not stranded in retirement.

    He cited Malam Yishua Shaibu, a retired public servant, as now a shining example in the industry, owing to his PR skills and institute membership.

    The director general, who sought the repositioning of the institute, insisted that it should not relate with people like a helpless professional organization.

    According to him, the institute has to make itself attractive.

    He dropped the hint that every VON member of staff is now warming up to become a registered member of the institute.

    As the Director General of VON, he vowed to build on the legacy of his predecessor.

    He pledged to deliver on the mandate of the organization: to tell the Nigerian and African story.

    According to him, he and his management team will perform the role without being apologetic.

    He added that the team will be forceful and believable.

    He said: “Finally, you know I am not speaking here in my capacity. I am speaking as the Director General of Voice of Nigeria.

    “With the kind permission of senior colleagues and Mr. President, (Dr. Ike Neliaku), I like to assure you that as Director General of Voice of Nigeria, I am going to build on the legacy of all the past Director Generals and indeed work on the mandate of the organization which is to tell Nigerian and African story.

    “And in doing that with the management team, we are not going to be apologetic. We are going to be forceful. We are going to be truthful. We are going to be believable, we are going to be deliberate. We are not going to shy away from telling Nigeria’s story because nobody will do it for us.”

    He sought the support of the institute for VON and the Ministry of Information to succeed.

    Ndache said: “The era of being apologetic about who you are as a Nigerian is over. As Director General, Voice of Nigeria, wherever I have the opportunity we are going to talk about Nigeria and Nigerians because we will not allow few, inconsequential numbers to create misinformation and disinformation about our country and put very patriotic Nigerians who do their daily business when they want to travel at the airport, they are treated shabbily because of some inconsequential number.

    “This is not achievable without the support of us Nigeria, particularly stakeholders like the NIPR. We are not taking the support granted. I am also requesting that the Hon. Minister of Information and Culture and Orientation succeed. For me as Director General of Voice of Nigeria to succeed, and for our other colleagues to create the right narrative about Nigeria and Africa, we require the support of all the stakeholders, particularly the NIPR. We must not give up, particularly for people who don’t mean well for our country, some are in this country, some are outside and they are eager to tell fake news and misinformation about our country.”

  • Ndace: Embedded journalist as Director General

    Ndace: Embedded journalist as Director General

    Jibrin Baba Ndace, the new Director General of Voice of Nigeria is an experienced, all-round journalist. Fresh from his official duty as an embedded defence correspondent in General Buratai’s (rtd) team that routed the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, he has now been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the DG of VON. Edozie Udeze writes on the professional odyssey of this remarkable journalist as he settles down to reposition Voice of Nigeria.

    Jibrin Baba Ndace, the newly appointed Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), is probably the youngest journalist to be appointed into that position. But this appointment did not come as a big surprise to many close admirers of Ndace. Ndace has been a very committed journalist, public relation expert, author, et al. Almost all his career life; he has been distinctive and distinguishable. He had at various times worked in different media establishments where he proved himself as a thorough-bred professional; diligent and remarkable.

    Ndace read English Language at Bayero University Kano. Among his mates he was deemed one of the best brains of his set. Over there at Bayero, he took time to acquire what has been described as clear vision and mission of where he was headed. From the word go, he had had a focus in life. His zeal and determination was to go into the journalism world to make a mark, an indelible mark, that is. His first port of call was the Market Magazine, a business-based publication. While there he helped to redefine the business orientation of the publication.

    This was in 2004. At that time he ensured the magazine reached its apogee. Ndace helped with efforts that reappraised the economic policy and direction of the magazine. Soon after this era he joined the Blueprint Newspapers. There he rose quickly to become its General Manager in-charge of special projects. This singular and exalted position offered him ample moments to acquire and imbibe lots of professional experiences.  That zeal he brought into his official duties did not escape the watchful eyes of people that matter.

    It was from there he promptly became an embedded journalist. This also did not come as a surprise. When General Buratai took over as the Chief of Army Staff in those heady days of Boko Haram, General Buratai did not hesitate to invite him over into his team. He was made a special defence correspondent and was duly embedded and empowered to cover and report all the military exploits of General Buratai and his officers and men. A product of family of soldiers, Ndace soon realised that duty truly called him to danger and that he had a huge task ahead of him.

    As dutiful and diligent as always, and with that irrepressible overriding interest in him as a thorough-bred professional, Ndace produced three amazing books from his sojourn as an embedded defence journalist. The books are: The Lonely Grave (poetry, Duty Call Under Burati’s Command and Walking The Warfront with Lt Gen. TY Buratai. These books, fat and glossary in output, are in consonance with all the principles of warfare, indeed they portray the odyssey of a keen writer, journalist and someone who was duly embedded for an urgent national duty and assignment.

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    Now, Ndace has been called yet to discharge higher duties for the good of the Nigerian project. While he quickly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, Ndace also pledged to keep to the tenets, principles and dreams of the founding fathers of Voice of Nigeria. “My role,” he said “Is to keep discharging my duties, and ensuring that I project Nigeria externally”. Of course the responsibility of VON is to tell the outside world those salient and imperative issues, themes, programmes and policies that define and keep Nigeria afloat and abreast with the rest of the world. This is what Ndace regime has reiterated to do.

    Then, it is clear that both his recourse into public and private professional areas of life have prepared him for today. Ndace was once the Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello. He was at various times public affairs expert, radio host and peace advocate. He has equally travelled parts of the world as a peace mediator, advocate and a reporter. You can see then that this journalist is best prepared for the task he is meant to discharge.

    This is saying also that part of his promise on assumption of office is to impact extensively on Nigerian media landscape and development. In other words, the world should be prepared perhaps and be on the threshold of receiving more books from Ndace when his duty is over. This is hoping so; knowing that he is capable. Besides, he will ensure that VON remains to Nigeria what VOA means to America and BBC to Great Britain