By Yakubu Mustapha Bina, Minna Established on July 17, 2017, Prestige FM Radio Minna emerged as the first private radio station ...
By Yakubu Mustapha Bina, Minna
Established on July 17, 2017, Prestige FM Radio Minna emerged as the first private radio station in Niger State, founded on the core principles of informing, educating, enlightening and entertaining the public while promoting national unity, social harmony and religious tolerance across Nigeria’s diverse communities. The station initially operated as a joint venture among shareholders before evolving into its present ownership structure.
Over the past nine years, Prestige FM has steadily positioned itself as one of the most recognizable voices on the Niger State airwaves. With its guiding slogan, “Truth is Our Watchword,” the station has built a reputation around delivering news and public affairs programming covering local, state, national and international developments, alongside business updates and weather reports.
A defining feature of the station is its multilingual broadcast approach. Programmes are delivered in English, Hausa, Nupe, Gbagyi, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulani and other local dialects, ensuring broad accessibility. Religious programmes reflecting both major faiths are also aired, reinforcing the station’s commitment to inclusivity and social cohesion.
Prestige FM’s programming lineup spans politics, social issues, economy, religion, education, entertainment and civic enlightenment. Flagship shows include Nigeria Today, Kasar Mu A Yau, Journalists Hangout, Music of Yester Years, Ogene Ndigbo, Mata Adon Gida, Fadar Mai Gari, among others. The station also runs structured news bulletins such as News at Dawn, News at Noon and translated bulletins in Hausa, Nupe and Gbagyi, alongside weekly reviews, commentaries and special reports addressing pressing societal issues.
Ownership of the station is now solely held by retired Colonel Sani Bello, the Sarkin Malamai of Kontagora, who acquired full control after buying out other shareholders. Since 2019, operational leadership has been under the Executive Director, Malam Yusuf Ibrahim Ladan, whose tenure has coincided with gradual institutional consolidation and infrastructure expansion.
One of the major milestones under his leadership has been the relocation of the station from a rented facility to its permanent site at Bosso Estate, Minna a move widely regarded as a strategic step toward long-term operational stability.
The owner’s broader media investments also include Landmark FM Kontagora, launched on March 19, 2019, while a new broadcast platform, SANBEL Television in Kontagora, is reportedly nearing completion. Together, these investments have strengthened the media footprint associated with the group within and beyond Niger State.
Prestige FM’s broadcast reach currently extends across the three senatorial zones of Niger State and into neighbouring parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Abuja, Kogi and Kwara States. In recent years, the station has expanded into digital broadcasting, introducing live online streaming to align with global media trends.
Beyond broadcasting, the station has contributed to youth employment and professional media training, with many former staff and trainees reportedly advancing into careers in both public and private sectors.
Like many broadcast organisations, Prestige FM has faced operational challenges including unstable electricity supply, high diesel costs, occasional transmission interruptions and weather-related infrastructure damage. Notably, a windstorm in April 2025 destroyed the station’s mast shortly after relocation to its permanent site, temporarily limiting coverage before full restoration.
Despite these hurdles, the station continues to modernize its equipment, strengthen content delivery and expand audience engagement.
As Prestige FM approaches its ninth anniversary in July 2026, the station stands as an enduring example of private broadcasting growth in Niger State a platform that helped open the door for subsequent private radio entrants while striving to maintain its founding ideals of public-focused journalism, professional ethics and community service.
Yakubu Mustapha Bina is a journalist and public Affair analyst. He writes from Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.
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