Date: 2019-04-27

The Kwara State Government has denied claims by an online publication that three of Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Kwara) transmitters have broken down.

In a statement issued in response to the said false publication, the state government, through the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Governor, Dr Muyideen Akorede, stated as follows:

On the 16 April 2019, the analogue transmitter at Midland FM 99.0 broke down on account of a faulty part. The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed subsequently approved the purchase of the replacement part. Other transmitters at Midland FM and its sister station are functional, including the new 10kw Elenos Digital Transmitter which requires an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Governor Ahmed has also approved the purchase of the new device. The existing UPS at the station is analogue and cannot be configured for the new transmitter.

The equipment supplier, alongside Midland FM engineers led by their team leader, installed the Elenos 10-kilowatt transmitter. The subsequent electrical wiring, calibration and test of the transmitter involved both parties, including the Corporation's late Director of Engineering. However, owing to a subsequent electrical power surge, a component in the new transmitter was damaged. The supplier has since replaced the damaged part. The new transmitter will be put to use once the UPS is acquired.

Admittedly, owing to the current financial situation in the state which has resulted in delayed subvention, the station has operational challenges including liabilities to suppliers which are being addressed in phases.

The Ahmed administration restates its commitment to bequeathing functional Media Houses to the state despite the temporary setbacks.

While the government welcomes objective criticism of any aspect of its operations, we urge commentators to be mindful of the impact of any false rumours on the station's corporate image and ultimately, the state's.