Commissioner Waiya Stops Tree Felling, Pushes ARTV Reform
By Editor In-cheif Public Eye News
Kano, Nigeria – In a move that underscores the Kano State Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and media modernization, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has ordered an immediate halt to the indiscriminate felling of trees within the premises of Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV).
The directive followed an unscheduled inspection visit to the state-owned television station after a viral video surfaced showing trees being cut down within the facility.
Expressing concern over the development, Comrade Waiya stated that the action contradicts the environmental and climate change policies of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, stressing that the protection of natural resources remains a key priority of the government.
He warned that no tree should be felled within the station’s premises without obtaining official approval from the appropriate government authorities and relevant environmental agencies.
“The depletion of trees and other natural resources poses serious environmental risks and must not be encouraged under any circumstance,” the commissioner said.
Beyond environmental concerns, the visit also provided an opportunity for an extensive assessment of ARTV’s operational capacity and future prospects. The commissioner observed that the station faces growing challenges in meeting the expectations of modern audiences due to outdated content formats, limited digital presence, and declining competitiveness within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
According to him, contemporary broadcasting demands innovation, digital accessibility, real-time audience engagement, and high-quality content production—areas where ARTV requires urgent intervention to remain relevant and competitive.
Comrade Waiya emphasized that the Kano State Government is determined to reposition ARTV as a modern public broadcasting institution capable of competing with leading television stations across the country.
He disclosed plans to submit a comprehensive report to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf seeking special government intervention for the station’s digital upgrade, infrastructure renewal, and operational transformation.
The commissioner also challenged the station’s management to maximize available resources, prioritize staff capacity building, strengthen transparency and accountability, and embrace innovative approaches to media service delivery.
Speaking during the visit, ARTV’s Deputy Managing Director, Malam Idris Abba Musa, acknowledged the challenges facing the organization, including bureaucratic bottlenecks, inadequate staff training opportunities, and the need for comprehensive digitization of broadcasting facilities.
Stakeholders have described the commissioner’s intervention as a significant step toward revitalizing the state-owned media outfit while reinforcing Kano State’s commitment to environmental protection and digital transformation.
The initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration to modernize public institutions, promote sustainable development, and improve service delivery across key sectors of the state economy.
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