Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago has called on government agencies to establish partnerships with national and international corporate organisations to reduce over-dependence on government funding.
The Governor made the call when he received a delegation from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) led by its Director-General, Dr. Muhammad Bulama at the Government House, Minna.
Governor Bago observed that it is time for government institutions to operate as businesses, adding that this is an era of commercialisation.
He said doing so would not only curtail over-dependence on the government but would also engender development as the government alone cannot do.
The Governor noted that the FRCN has made so much impact that cannot be ignored, hence the state will collaborate with the organisation for mutual benefits.
He made some suggestions to the agency on how best they can initiate more collaborations to get funding to address their challenges.
On the issue of the FRCN establishing a studio in Minna, the Governor described it as a laudable idea.
Earlier, the D.G, FRCN, Dr Muhammad Bulama explained that their visit was to seek collaboration with the state government to enable the organisation to operate maximally.
Bulama also disclosed that the organisation has planned to have a cutting-edge studio in Minna for better service to the people of the state.
The FRCN DG who enumerated some of its challenges both at its head office in Abuja and Bida station including inadequate equipment, power supply, training and retraining, expressed confidence that the collaboration will trigger development not only for the state but also the country at large.
He decried the current situation of the FRCN Kaduna, pointing out that he intends to involve all the 19 Northern Governors in reviving it.
Bulama commended the governor for his giant developmental strides in the state and pledged to avail Niger State of all its services as it plays a significant role in the country.
and then