Dec. 25, 2023

The Zamfara Government has earmarked N1.3 billion in the 2024 appropriation for the digitilisation of the state-owned Radio and Television Stations and Legacy Newspapers Company.

The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mannir Haidara, disclosed this in Gusau on Monday after defending the ministry’s budget before the Zamfara House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

Gov. Dauda Lawal on Thursday presented N423.5 billion 2024 Appropriation Bill to the House for approval.

Haidara further said that the digitilisation projects would be implemented under Gov Dauda Lawal’s policy to revive media industry in the state.

“As we all know, the ministry is responsible for information disseminating in the state, we initiated various projects to upgrade state media industry in line with good policies and programmes of Gov Lawal’s administration,” he added.

Haidara further said that other organisations to benefit from the digitilisation project included Zamfara Censorship Board and Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA).

“The state government would implement total renovation and supply of modern equipment to Zamfara AM Radio stations, Gold City FM Radio, State owned Legacy Newspapers Company and State Censorship Board,

“Other projects to be implemented include building of newly established state owned media corporation, supply of modern equipment, computers as well as procurement of vehicles,” the commissioner explained.

Haidara further stated that the 2024 Zamfara appropriation bill tagged as “rescue budget” was the first of its kind since the creation of the state.

“The projects if successfully completed, would enhance revenue generation to the state through the media industry.

“The 2024 budget targeted all sectors of development that state has been lacking since its creation,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman House Committee on Appropriation, Alhaji Halliru Abdullahi, commended the ministry’s performance in revenue generation.

Kuturu urged other government ministries, departments and parastatals to emulate the information commissioner for promoting the Internally Generated Revenue of the state. (NAN)