Bosaso (SPR): Delegates transporting transmitters and other radio equipments landed in Bender-Qasim International Airport, Somali Public Radio reports. Soon to be launched, Radio Sanaag is slated to operate in Badhan city, where its Antenna receptions is expected to reach thousands in the town and neighboring cities. The equipment was donated to the region by the Somali Governments information ministry.

Jaamac Ayanle Feyte, operational manager of Radio Sanaag told Somali Public Radio that the new radio will feature programs including sports, science and technology, public health, social development and the promotion of human rights and democracy.

Sanaag region is the second largest in Somalia and currently hosts one radio station (Somali Public Radio) in its F.M waves. Somali Public Radio was instituted by Somali Americans who aimed to transform neglected Sanaag region through media awareness that would promote regional development.

After two years of programming, the non-profit media outlet advanced to a list of achievements. To name a few, the radio hosted and sponsored the largest soccer tournament the region had ever seen, where dozens of teams from all over Somalia competed in the region.

In partnership with women leaders, SPR staged numerous forums where gender equality was discussed, creating avenues to empower women. With an all-inclusive approach, the non-profit outlet reached out to religious scholars and traditional leaders. Through their cooperation, this last Ramadan, SPR hosted a grand quranic recitation competition, where thousands of students competed in Dhahar and Xingalool of northeastern Somalia

Somali Public Radio spokesmen Ibraahim Shire Faarax (Weyne) reiterated support for this new radio station in an interview late Friday. He stated; "Radio stations serve as a vehicle for diverse thoughts through dialogue and I'm confident that this radio station will offer options for improvement. We believe there is a total absence of the notion of strong civic sense in the region."

"Because we understand the value of competent media in the region, we'll extend our support for this new radio station through technical expertise and we are committed to fostering a partnership in respect to the region's interest," added Somali Public Radio spokesman Ibraahim Shire Faarax (Weyne).

Radio Sanaag is expected to go on air mid this month in Badhan town of Sanaag region, where thousands of residents are excited to receive.