Albarka Radio 89.9 FM, Ilorin – what was once a modest, developing newsroom, has grown into a more stable and functional broadcast space, with improved infrastructure, clearer systems, and a sustained commitment to public-interest reporting. This was evident on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, when Dapo Olorunyomi, Founder of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director and CEO, paid a courtesy visit to the station in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Albarka Radio 89.9 FM, a partner under WSCIJ’s Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusivity and Accountability (CMEDIA) project, is one of 26 media and media-support organisations that received grants between 2022 and 2024, to strengthen local journalism and enhance capacity for accountability-focused reporting. The project was funded by the MacArthur Foundation.
Speaking on the development, Olorunyomi noted that: “The Albarka example provides a vivid illustration of how to navigate the challenges of sustainability for media startups. They have set a strong example in rebuilding trust, connecting with their community, and managing innovation through a careful balance of costs and revenue. There is a lot the wider industry can learn from the Albarka experience.”
The support came at a critical stage in the station’s development, helping to address key operational challenges, including unreliable power supply through a transition to solar energy. It also strengthened production capacity with the provision of essential equipment such as studio facilities, microphones, and computers. Today, Albarka Radio continues to produce accountability-driven content, maintaining its role as a community-focused broadcaster. From its early days as a startup, the station has evolved into a more structured and better-equipped organisation, capable of delivering consistent and impactful programming.
Also speaking, Alaka described the engagement as encouraging, noting the visible progress made by the station since receiving the support. “It was a cheering experience. Seeing that the station now has an independent power source and has continued its accountability journalism work is significant. We believe the impact of this will be reflected not just in the newsroom, but in the wider society. Local journalism remains critical to driving accountability that directly affects the people.”
Rasheed Adigun, Managing Director of Albarka 89.9FM, reflected on the transformation of the organisation. “We have seen, first-hand, the impact of the support we received and how it has helped us transition and achieve much over the years. We are in a better position now than when we started.”
The visit also created space to reflect on the broader significance of sustained support to local news media organisations, particularly in enabling them to overcome infrastructural limitations and remain committed to public interest journalism. Reinforcing WSCIJ’s commitment to building strong media collaborations that promote accountability, inclusivity, and meaningful storytelling across communities.
Signed WSCIJ
