The Voice of Nigeria, VON, has undergone significant transformation under the leadership of Director-General Jibrin Baba Ndace, appointed by President Bola Tinubu two years ago. Since taking office, Mr Ndace has focused on structural reforms, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships to reclaim VON’s place on the global stage.
One notable milestone is the restoration of the 250KW Digital Radio Mondiale transmitter, which positions VON to regain its shortwave broadcasting dominance. This technological advancement, supported by President Tinubu and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, aims to expand Nigeria’s broadcast reach across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
VON has also deepened its international collaborations, signing partnerships with institutions such as the Voice of America and the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation to strengthen its Swahili service and expand global reach. The broadcaster plans to introduce Mandarin-language programming as part of a “multilingual expansion strategy” to tell Nigeria’s story to diverse global audiences. Additionally, VON aims to introduce broadcasts in Portuguese, Afrikaans, and Zulu as part of a pan-African expansion drive.
Domestically, VON has launched the Voice of the Community programme, a weekly broadcast in eight languages designed to amplify grassroots voices and give communities across Nigeria a platform to be heard. The organisation has also invested in staff welfare and professional development, with initiatives such as performance bonds, training in artificial intelligence, and the regular payment of a thirteenth-month salary.
VON has established the VON Forum, a platform for policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement, to improve visibility and reposition the organisation’s image. The agency has become an active player in shaping Nigeria’s soft power narrative, projecting the country’s democratic identity and progress to the global audience. Mr Ndace has ensured that VON plays a proactive role in national image-building, urging Nigerians to celebrate the country’s democratic gains and resilience during major national commemorations.
As VON marks two years under Mr Ndace’s leadership, the organisation is poised to continue its transformation, guided by its strategic framework of People, Platform, and Partnership. With a focus on strengthening platforms, expanding partnerships, and investing in people, VON is commitment to pursuing the national interest and becoming the continent’s leading voice to the world.