Kaduna Plans Upgrade For State Radio, TV

From Julius B.Kezi, Kafanchan
The Kaduna State Government is planning to upgrade its Media Outfits, the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC), Radio and Television arms, to be one of the best in the country, between now and the end of next year.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai made the disclosure while reacting to complaints of not receiving signals, especially the state television in southern Kaduna, during a town hall meeting held in Kachia on Saturday.
Governor El-Rufai said his administration will re-position the state media stations to serve not only the state but beyond its boundaries, for government policies and programs to reach the common man at the grassroots level, considering the strategic position the state occupies in the country.
He expressed displeasure over the present situation of both the radio and television arms, stressing that drastic measure will be taken to making them function optimal.
Re-iterating on efforts made by his administration to re-position the various sectors of the state, governor, El-Rufai, made specific reference to rehabilitation of health facilities in every ward and senatorial district; the Kachia General Hospital will be rehabilitated and equipped along with that of Zongo Kataf Rural Hospital, while there will be provision of city’s scan at the General Hospital Kafanchan.
On agriculture, he said efforts are on to making fertilizer available at very low price, however, he appealed to people of the state not to resell the commodity outside the state.
Furthermore he disclosed plans to provide loans to ginger farmers in zone three and reviving the Kachia Ginger Company through Public Private Partnership (PPP), including organizing cluster sales of ginger to boost its production.
He also called on people of the state to be more environmental friendly by planting more trees to check draughts, erosion and de-a forestation; announcing plans to engage youths and women in tree Plantings as means of employment.
Speaking on security, he applauded the efforts of securities agencies, traditional, religious and communities’ leaders in restoring peace, checkmating cattle rustling and kidnapping.
However, the governor appealed for, more sustained prayers, support and cooperation from citizens to wipe out criminality, warning traditional rulers against bailing those accused of violence.
On the issue of lack of electricity and water in Kachia, the Governor, his commissioners and principal officers revealed plans to arrest the situation, rehabilitation of facilities in Kafanchan, Kagoro, Zonkwa, Kwoi and Manchock water works.
Governor El-Rufai appealed to districts and village heads to exercise patience as their salaries would soon be paid, including other staff, teachers in particular, who have not been paid for months, assuring people that staff verification exercise would be concluded in May this year.
In their vote of thanks, Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba of the House of Representatives Kachia/ Kagarko Federal constituency and Hon. John Kwaturu, the Deputy Speaker Kaduna state commended the governor over his people-oriented programmes, the fight against criminality and corruption with the sole aim of re-positioning the state.
However, like Oliver Twist, they appealed to the state government for more, promising the cooperation of the people to enhance the achievement of set objectives.