The speech which was delivered by Engr. Aliyu Usman Kutigi, The Magajin Rafi Kutigi, Sarkin Noman Fadama Nupe, and a highly respected member of the B. O. T. focused on the journey so far by the first community radio station in Nigeria (Lavun Community Radio, Kutigi).

According to Engr. Aliyu, The journey to establish Lavun Community Radio in Fadama project began in 2005 when Two (2) States and the Federal Capital Territory were selected to participate in the three pilots Community Radio Station under World Bank Fadama Assisted Project in Nigeria. The Three (3) selected States were Niger, Ogun States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja;

1. Lavun (Kutigi) Fadama Community – Niger State.
2. Ereti Fadama Community – Ogun State.
3. Pandagi Fadama Community – FCT Abuja.

In Niger State, also three (3) potential sites were selected to undertake a feasibility study, namely, Kuta in Shiroro Local Government Area, Katayeregi in Katcha Local Government Area, and Kutigi in Lavun Local Government Area. As a result of the feasibility study undertaken, Kutigi, the headquarters of Lavun Local Government Area was selected for the establishment of the Community Radio in respect of Niger State. Lavun Community Radio was established and became Nigeria’s 1st Licensed Community Radio. The arrangement for establishing Community Radio was tripartite with the World Bank providing the Radio Equipment, and the Community Providing the Land and Housing. At the same time, the State Fadama Development Office furnished the structure.

I wish to acknowledge the vital roles played by under-listed personalities and Organizations for their meaningful contributions to the establishment and sustenance of Lavun Community Radio Station to date:

1. Nigerian Community Radio Coalition that struggles for the actualization of the establishment of Community Radio in Nigeria (under Dr. Akin Akingbolu).
2. Land Allocation for the building of Community Radio was required by the committee and granted by the Community Leader; Late Alh. Muhammadu N. Hussaini the Ezanuwan of Kutigi.
3. Chairman Kutigi Forum Fadama Users Union alias Kutigi Forum now Lavun Kutigi Fadama Community and by extension, Lavun Community Radio – Late Alhaji Muhammadu Kolo Ezanuwan Kutigi.
4. The Council Chairman Lavun Local Government Area; Hon. Jacob Majin for facilitating the building of the Community Radio House for the Community.
5. World Bank Country Office Abuja Nigeria in partnership with the second National Fadama Development Project for establishment and supply of Radio equipment.
6. Late Alhaji Wachin Abubakar Kpegegi family for the donation of a set of Solar Power Units comprises of 4 MTE Power Long Life batteries, 4 solar panels, 1 power inverter, and 1 solar charger controller.
7. Registrar National Examination Council Office, (NECO) Minna for sponsoring five different editions of 30-minute Documentary Programmes on the activities of the organization.
8. All individuals and organizations were too numerous to mention that did sponsored fasting Tafsir programs and other programs.
9. Chief Nathaniel Ndakogi Twaki (Galadima Magani Kutigi) pioneer Chairman Board of Trustees Lavun Community Radio, Kutigi.
10. All board members of Lavun Community Radio Kutigi, Niger State.
11. Donation of N5,000,000.00 Five Million Naira only from His Excellency Alh. (Dr.) Abubakar Sani Bello, Governor of Niger State as take-off grant.
12. HIVOS International/Institute for Media and Society (IMS).
13. Nigerian Media Innovation Programme (NAMIP).
14. Nigeria Health Watch.
15. National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Abuja.
16. Niger State Government.
17. Lavun Local Government Council.
18. Other Local Government Areas in Niger, and Kwara state.
19. Management Staff of Lavun Community Radio, Kutigi.
20. Staff of Lavun Community Radio, Kutigi.

In conclusion, that has been the journey so far of Lavun Community Radio Kutigi and I wish everyone a safe journey back to his/her various destinations. Thanks and God bless.

FIRST )1^ST) SET OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES (B.O.T.) CONSTITUTION

NB.

The B.o.T. Lavun Community Radio, Kutigi cut across the entire Lavun Local Government Area.