.... Armed Forces of Nigeria Radio Marks 10th Anniversary
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) Radio Service has marked a major milestone, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a reaffirmation of its commitment to national service, public enlightenment, and strategic communication.
Speaking at the event held in Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, described the journey of the station—from its modest beginnings in 2015 to its current status as a leading voice in the Federal Capital Territory’s media landscape—as one of dedication, innovation, and national relevance.
Chief of Defence Staff's (CDS) appreciated the military media's efforts in promoting public trust, civil-military relations, and effective information dissemination.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria Radio was established on 22 May 2015 through the foresight of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh of blessed memory,” General Musa stated. “Over the past decade, this station has not only provided quality content in news, education and entertainment, but it has also denied oxygen to agents of disinformation and misinformation.”
The CDS praised the station’s role in fostering public trust, enhancing civil-military relations, and advancing non-kinetic military operations through community dialogue, cultural promotion, and timely dissemination of accurate information.
According to General Musa, feedback from loyal listeners has consistently confirmed the station’s growing influence in shaping public opinion and promoting national unity. “Through indigenous narratives, music, and issue-driven programming, the station has helped bridge understanding between citizens and the military,” he added.
As part of its forward-looking agenda, the Armed Forces Radio 107.7FM plans to deepen its impact by expanding its reach and maintaining high broadcasting standards. The CDS urged listeners to continue collaborating with the military by providing credible information from their communities.
The occasion was graced by the Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, service chiefs, senior officers, and other dignitaries. General Musa extended his appreciation to key partners, including the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Voice of Nigeria (VON), for their consistent manpower support over the past decade. He also acknowledged the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for its regulatory guidance.
In a special mention, the CDS expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He reaffirmed the military’s loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and its dedication to professionalism in safeguarding national security.
“As we aim for the second decade, may our station continue to grow, inspire, educate and entertain,” he concluded
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, ably represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda lauded Armed Forces Radio for its decade of service to national security communication and public engagement.
He praised the station’s resilience and relevance over the years while urging it to deepen digital transformation, promote indigenous language programming, and amplify the voices of citizens—especially those in vulnerable and underserved areas, veterans, and frontline security personnel.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the station, retired Colonel Timothy Antigha, emphasised its long-standing mission of fostering unity between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the public.
“For ten years, we have proudly served as a bridge between the Armed Forces and the Nigerian people,” Antigha said. “As we look ahead, we remain committed to providing informative, balanced, and patriotic content that uplifts our listeners.”
In his closing remarks, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, expressed gratitude to all who have supported Armed Forces Radio over the years. He pledged that the station would continue to serve as a unifying voice for the nation.
“Today, Armed Forces Radio is more than just a broadcasting outlet,” Gusau noted. “It is a bridge between uniform and civilian, between government and community, between security institutions and the citizens they serve.”
The milestone celebration drew top military commanders, heads of government institutions, media stakeholders, and academics, all paying tribute to the station’s crucial role in promoting national cohesion and reinforcing public confidence in the military.
The celebration highlighted the station’s decade-long journey in delivering impactful, patriotic programming while fostering stronger engagement between security institutions and the Nigerian populace.