The Nigerian media has been urged to consistently promote unity among the country’s diverse tribes to foster cultural integration and development.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kwenu 93.9FM, Lagos’s first hybrid radio station, Mr. Lekan Ogunbanwo gave the advice at the one-year anniversary of the radio station in Lagos Southwest Nigeria on Tuesday.
Ogunbanwo, a retired Permanent Secretary from the Lagos State Public Service, explained that the station was launched to promote unity and give the Igbo community a voice in Lagos.
He said; “the station known for delivering a unique blend of Igbo and Pidgin content through both digital and traditional platforms, has earned a loyal and diverse audience.”
According to him “Before Kwenu 93.9FM, there were no stations dedicating up to seven hours daily to the Igbo culture and business in Lagos and research shows that Igbos control about 60% of distributive trade in Nigeria, with 70% of this trade centred in Lagos. Today, there are between four and six million Igbos living in the state.”
“We wanted to give the Igbos a platform to ensure there’s no fear of Igbos ‘taking over’ Lagos. The morning segment, from 6 am to 1 pm, is dedicated to the Igbo community, while from 1 pm to 10 pm, we broadcast in Pidgin, a language of integration spoken widely across Nigeria,” he said.
Emphasising the need for unity, Ogunbanwo said, “This is our country, and we must focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Nigeria binds the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and others as one people. We all have a responsibility to maintain peace and avoid misunderstandings, as chaos hampers business and growth. Promoting oneness is crucial for our progress and media must play a critical role to make this happen.”
The anniversary celebration featured a lively meet-and-greet session where on-air personalities engaged with listeners, creating memorable interactions.
In her remarks, the Head of Station, Mrs Nkechi Mordi praised the staff for their role in promoting integration through both the Igbo and Pidgin segments as she also expressed excitement about how listeners have embraced the station, even forming an association of Kwenu 93.9FM fans.
Leader of the Kwenu one big family comprising frequent listeners, Deacon Marizu expressed joy at having a station dedicated to the Igbo community in Lagos.
He however commended Ogunbanwo for recognising the need for such a platform, highlighting Kwenu FM’s impact in amplifying Igbo voices, not just in Lagos but across the country.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of award for humanitarian service to Ogunbanwo recognising his efforts in providing the Igbo community with a platform to be heard in Lagos.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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