The Zamfara government has earmarked N1.3 billion in the 2024 appropriation for digitising the state-owned radio and television stations and Legacy Newspapers Company.

The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mannir Haidara, disclosed this in Gusau on Monday after defending the ministry’s budget before the Zamfara House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

Last Thursday, Governor Dauda Lawal presented the N423.5 billion 2024 Appropriation Bill to the House for approval.

Mr Haidara further said the digitalisation projects would be implemented under Mr Lawal’s policy to revive the state’s media industry.

“As we all know, the ministry is responsible for information disseminating in the state; we initiated various projects to upgrade the state media industry in line with good policies and programmes of Mr Lawal’s administration,” he added.

Mr Haidara further said other organisations that would benefit from the digitalisation project included Zamfara Censorship Board and Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA).

“The state government would implement total renovation and supply of modern equipment to Zamfara AM Radio stations, Gold City FM Radio, State-owned Legacy Newspapers Company and State Censorship Board.

“Other projects to be implemented include the building of the newly established state-owned media corporation, supply of modern equipment, computers as well as procurement of vehicles,” the commissioner explained.

Mr Haidara further stated that the 2024 Zamfara appropriation bill tagged as the “Rescue Budget” was the first of its kind since the creation of the state.

“The projects, if completed, would enhance revenue generation to the state through the media industry.

“The 2024 budget targeted all sectors of development that the state has been lacking since its creation,” he added.

Earlier, the House Committee on Appropriation chairman, Halliru Abdullahi, commended the ministry’s performance in revenue generation.

Mr Kuturu urged other government ministries, departments, and parastatals to emulate the information commissioner to promote the state’s internally generated revenue.

(NAN)