By Olaolu Fawole
The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN has commenced moves to upgrade the building housing its Ibadan zonal station at Dugbe, following an assessment that exposed widespread structural and facility deficiencies in the decades old broadcasting house.
The decision comes after a team of building experts led by an engineer, Mr Ayodele Kolawole of Coop Property Development Company Limited conducted an inspection of the facility on the directive of the Director General of FRCN, Dr. Mohammed Bulama, with a view to commencing immediate renovation works.
The assessment covered the station’s expansive four-storey main building, which houses numerous offices and operational units, as well as adjoining structures within the premises.
Over the years, the facility has experienced significant wear and tear due to age and continuous use.
During the tour, the team visited critical sections including the live transmission studios, production studios, newsroom, administrative offices, library, engineering department, new media and marketing departments, as well as the plant room.
Findings from the exercise revealed multiple signs of deterioration across the complex.
These include leaking roofs, broken and weak window frames, cracked and peeling walls, and exposed or displaced electrical wiring, all of which pose safety and operational concerns.
In several areas, prolonged water leakage has led to damp surfaces and mold growth, while poor drainage and ventilation have further compounded the effects of ageing on the structure.
Mr Kolawole described the building as structurally stable but in urgent need of comprehensive rehabilitation to restore its functionality and safety.
He identified widespread water leakage affecting a significant portion of the building as a major issue, noting that it has contributed to internal damage and could worsen if not promptly addressed.
Other deficiencies highlighted include deteriorating doors, obsolete sanitary facilities, corroded fittings, and an outdated electrical system that falls short of modern broadcasting requirements.
He also pointed out that some sections of the building show signs of fatigue, including weakened ceilings and worn-out finishes.
Mr Kolawole further observed that the station’s live and recording studios require major upgrades, particularly in acoustics, soundproofing, and ventilation, to meet current industry standards and ensure optimal broadcast quality.
According to him, the inspection represents the first phase of the intervention, adding that his team would return within a defined timeframe to carry out more detailed assessments and begin renovation work.
He noted that the project would be handled comprehensively, with inputs from staff to ensure that all operational challenges are captured and addressed in the upgrade process.
Also speaking, the Zonal Director of FRCN Ibadan, Mr Olufemi Fulani, expressed satisfaction with the planned renovation, describing it as a long awaited and much needed intervention.
He commended the Director General, Dr Mohammed Bulama, for extending the ongoing transformation at the FRCN headquarters in Abuja to the Ibadan station, noting that the development reflects a renewed commitment to infrastructure renewal across the corporation.
Mr Fulani stated that the Ibadan facility, having served for many decades, has suffered the effects of ageing and heavy usage, making the upgrade both timely and necessary.
He expressed optimism that the renovation would not only improve the physical condition of the station but also enhance staff productivity, boost operational efficiency, and reposition the station for improved service delivery.
