Two Years of Great Leadership at Voice of Nigeria by Banyinorim Agbo
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” — John C. Maxwell
It has been an auspicious two years of great leadership at the Voice of Nigeria (VON). The organization has undergone a remarkable revival since Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace was appointed on October 19, 2023. This journey resembles watching a parade led by a combat commander: decisive, inspiring, and deeply committed.
Mallam Ndace seemed destined for VON. Before his appointment, the station, regarded as the authoritative choice, had fallen into a period of inactivity, too still for a broadcaster whose vision is to be the leading radio station in Africa. But when he arrived, the energy shifted immediately. A prolific writer, reporter, and public relations practitioner, Jibrin Baba Ndace brought a wealth of experience from various sectors, from branding financial institutions and oil companies to working with the military and even international clients in Guinea-Bissau. He recognised the power of image and communication and saw the urgent need to rebrand and revitalize the Voice of Nigeria from within.
His first major step was to establish a policy of openness and accountability. He encouraged staff to bring issues affecting their work directly to him, but with one condition: every problem raised must include a suggested solution. This open-door policy quickly became the culture at headquarters, promoting transparency and constructive dialogue. “Freedom of speech,” he often says, “comes with responsibility.”
True to his word, he made staff welfare a top priority. Not only did he ensure that staff at the headquarters benefited from this inclusive leadership style, but he also reached out to every part of the organization. Within months of taking office, he launched a nationwide tour of all VON zonal offices from Cross River to Osun, Kano, Gombe, Enugu, and Lagos.
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Even though Lagos was no longer the headquarters, he recognized its vital role in Nigeria’s economy and media landscape, and therefore made frequent visits to reawaken its operations. But beyond routine inspections, these visits were deeply strategic. In each state, he called on government houses and traditional institutions from the Igwes, Emirs, Obas to the Obong of Calabar, ensuring that every bureau chief built strong local ties. His goal was simple yet profound: to connect VON to the soil of Nigeria so that its stories could reflect the real voices of the people.
As a journalist and PR expert, Ndace understands that credibility grows from authentic storytelling. He wanted VON reports to carry a human angle to reflect culture, emotion, and context.
Within two years, the results have been evident. VON has entered into strategic partnerships with organizations that align with its vision, from Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation to NITDA, NIGCOMSAT, Galaxy Backbone, and Glo. These collaborations have opened doors for technological advancement, innovation, and international cooperation.
Language expansion has also become a significant milestone. Through collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, VON is preparing to launch Mandarin broadcasts, a move that will strengthen Nigeria-China relations and broaden the station’s global audience. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to introduce Portuguese and Bahasa, adding to VON’s already diverse multilingual portfolio. The plan includes staff exchange programs and specialized training to enhance international broadcasting skills.
In another groundbreaking effort, Ndace organized VON’s first management retreat in 14 years, an initiative aimed at reigniting leadership spirit, innovation, and unity among senior staff. He also launched the VON Forum, a public dialogue platform designed to connect citizens with national conversations. The inaugural edition focused on citizen engagement and national security, a topic close to his heart given his background in military communication.
Throughout it all, Mallam Ndace has demonstrated that leadership is about creating movement and meaning, not just titles. His consistent focus on staff motivation, credibility in reporting, and strategic partnerships has redefined the Voice of Nigeria as a platform that truly captures the nation’s heartbeat.
As VON looks ahead with plans for transmitter restoration and further digital expansion, one thing is certain: under Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the organization is once again finding its rhythm, its relevance, and its voice.
