World Radio Day: A Call for Development in Fadama Bauna and Beyond

By Hassan Lega

World Radio Day, established by UNESCO in 2011 and later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, recognises the enduring power of radio in shaping societies. The day serves as a reminder of radio’s role in promoting access to information, fostering dialogue, and bridging communication gaps, especially for marginalised communities.

Undoubtedly, radio has remained, over the years, the most accessible and cost-effective medium of communication, reaching remote areas where television and the internet struggle with signals.

In many rural communities, transistor radios are the primary source of news, education, and civic engagement. This makes radio an indispensable tool for governance, development, and public awareness.

For communities like Fadama Bauna, where access to infrastructure is limited, radio is more than just a means of entertainment; it is a lifeline to the world beyond.

For years, the Fadama Bauna community has faithfully participated in many elections, performing their civic duty by casting their votes with the hope that their voices will translate into development.

Yet, despite their unwavering commitment to democracy, government presence remains invisible over those periods—no good roads, no healthcare facilities, no schools – with large number of school dropped out and no basic infrastructure. Their only connection to governance is through the radio waves they tune into daily, informing them about development in the city only—very unfortunate.

It is time for our government to use the radio as a tool for accountability and rural development. Well-structured radio programs can highlight the plight of forgotten communities like Fadama Bauna, putting pressure on authorities to fulfill their promises. Through dedicated community-focused broadcasts, leaders can engage directly with rural populations, addressing their concerns and ensuring that development reaches where it is needed most.

In this regard, I take inspiration from Eggonnews, a publication serving Nasarawa State and its environs with vital news for development. Established by a veteran journalist, Elder Matthew Kuju, my boss, it has been a beacon of information for rural communities since establishment of Nasarawa State and has remain the consistent rural newspapers in the state.

However, print media alone is not enough. To serve the people better, I am advocating for more community radio stations that will amplify the voices of rural dwellers, bring their concerns to the forefront, and push for action where it is needed.

Philanthropists as well as captains in the industry can also have a critical role to play in establishing community radio stations in rural areas. With a focus on rural development, philanthropists can help bridge the gap that exists between urban and rural media access. By supporting the establishment of local radio stations, philanthropy can attract development, create job opportunities, and stimulate local economies, thereby reducing the overwhelming focus on urban areas. This would provide rural communities with more tools to empower themselves and bring about meaningful change.

Development should not be a privilege; therefore, it is a right. The people of Fadama Bauna, and many other rural communities across the country, deserve better. On this World Radio Day, we call on the government, civil society, and the media to use radio not just as a platform for political campaigns, but as a force for real, lasting change.

Additionally, we urge philanthropists to recognise the potential of community radio in driving employment and development to rural areas, ensuring that no part of the country is left behind.

Let radio be the voice that brings light to forgotten communities. Let every frequency count for development.

Happy World Radio Day!

Hassan Agbadu Lega writes from Fadama Bauna