VON Reiterates Commitment To Project Nigeria, Africa After Bagging International Awards

…As Osun Govt Seeks Better Partnership With VON

By Tosin Olasunkanmi , Christianah Oladosu

The leadership of Voice of Nigeria (VON) has reaffirmed its commitment to producing international award-winning broadcast content by projecting Nigeria’s and Africa’s vision to the global audience.

VON through its Deputy Director, Strategic Planning and Corporate Development, VON, Dr. Mujeedah Abdul Aleem Olagunju, vowed to uphold the mandate of advocacy of social change with a sense of professionalism.

Speaking during a Get-Together and Open Day organised by the international broadcaster on Thursday at the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, Abere, Osun State.

She said the event provided a rare opportunity for journalists and stakeholders to step beyond daily deadlines to connect, reflect and celebrate shared professional values.

She expressed appreciation to the Osun State Government, particularly the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, for accommodating VON since its arrival in the state.

Dr Olagunju also acknowledged the support of Engr. Dr. Sadiq, Personal Assistant to the Chief of Staff; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon. Eniola Odeniyi; and Prince Abioye Oyewusi for facilitating the organisation’s smooth engagement within the state.

Dr. Olagunju noted that VON remains Nigeria’s only external radio broadcasting service, transmitting in seven international languages, and has earned global recognition for excellence in broadcasting.

She listed notable awards won by the organisation, including the DAME Awards for Best Radio Programmes, the Commonwealth Broadcasting Organization Award for Best Drama Programme, the African Media Initiative Excellence Award for Maritime Reporting, and the 2025 Africa Media Development Foundation Journalist of the Year Award, won by VON English Producer Destiny Onyemihi.

Dr. Olagunju invited sponsors and collaborators to work with VON, assuring them of value through the organisation’s international reach. She also appealed for further institutional support.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon. Eniola Odeniyi, congratulated VON on the successful hosting of the open day and expressed optimism about improved collaboration.

“You started well, and I believe next year will be even better. We will have a better partnership,” he said.

In his remarks, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, acknowledged VON’s key role in promoting Nigerian culture, new, and values global.

Ajadosu, who commended the broadcast station for the good well-done, said “Voice of Nigeria (VON) is the country’s national broadcasting service, playing a key role in promoting Nigerian culture, news, and values globally”.

He said: “National News Dissemination: Sharing Nigerian news and stories with the world, Cultural Promotion: Showcasing Nigerian culture, music, arts, and traditions, Public Education: Educating citizens on national policies, health, agriculture, and social issues,- International Relations: Promoting Nigeria’s image and fostering global cooperation”

“VON broadcasts in multiple languages, including English, French, Arabic, and local languages”, he said.

Also speaking, Vice Chairman, NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Osun State, Asiwaju Ayobami Agboola, described the event as unprecedented in the state and commended VON for its initiative.

“Since I started working in Osun
State, I have never witnessed any programme of this nature being organised by the Voice of Nigeria. This is the first, and with this level of organisation, next year will be bigger,” Agboola said.

He urged the broadcaster to intensify awareness creation at the grassroots, noting that while VON has effectively showcased government activities globally, more effort is needed locally.

“We need to work harder to let the people at the local level understand the role of the Voice of Nigeria,” he added.

Earlier, representing the National President of the Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN), Dr. Musa Yusuf Dambele, the former Vice President of the association, Dr. A.F.K. Bakre congratulated VON on the successful open day and called for sustained collaboration.

The event, powered by the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment and the Ministry of Women Affairs, featured exhibitions and stakeholder engagements highlighting VON’s global broadcasting mandate