Jigawa State Government has approved contracts worth over N1.3 billion for the upgrade and expansion of broadcasting infrastructure across the state.
The contracts include the supply and installation of a 50KW Harris Digital AM transmitter for Jigawa Radio, as well as radio equipment, including 3KW FM transmitters for five community radio stations.
The government also approved the construction of five community FM stations in Gumel, Gwaram, Hadejia, Kazaure and Ringim Local Government Areas.
The State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Sagir Musa Ahmed, explained that the projects are aimed at expanding broadcasting coverage and improving transmission quality, reliability and digital broadcasting standards across the state.
He said the investment would also enhance access to information and strengthen the capacity of the state’s broadcasting infrastructure to serve communities more effectively.
The Commissioner disclosed this while briefing journalists on decisions of the State Executive Council.
He added that the Council also approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Ministry of Health and Malaria Consortium under the SARMAAN II Project, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
According to him, the SARMAAN II Project is designed to reduce the burden of malaria through stronger programme implementation, technical support, capacity development, improved use of data and enhanced delivery of malaria interventions to communities and health facilities.
Alhaji Sagir said the State Ministry of Health would work with Malaria Consortium and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the project in line with national malaria control priorities and the state’s health development agenda.
He noted that the four-year agreement would further strengthen collaboration between the state government and development partners.
The Commissioner said the partnership would contribute to efforts to improve health outcomes, particularly child health, while providing a model for future international development collaboration.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
