Excitement as Okigwe’s first radio station begins full broadcasting
By Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The ancient town of Okigwe in Imo State was ago Wednesday as its first ever radio station, Skills 87.7 FM began full broadcasting.
Skills 87.7 FM is owned by the Founder of Gregory University Uturu, Abia State, Professor Greg Ibe.
The radio station strategically located on the popular Owerri Road by Umuchima area of the ancient town is expected to serve its audience in Okigwe and its environs extending to parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and Anambara States.
Speaking at the colourful event, the Zonal Director, NBC, Enugu, Mrs Ijeoma Obodo, charged Management of the station to always comform to the ethics of broadcasting as outlined by the Commission.
She urged them to add value to the lives of the people through quality broadcasting and promotion of positive values.
The NBC boss also charged the Station not to be hostile to other radio stations or its operational environment but rather to be socially responsible.
In an address by the Founder and Proprietor, Gregory University, Uturu, Prof. Gregory Ibe, presented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, DVC Academics, Prof. Uwaoma Uche, said the Radio Station “is not just a collection of transmitters and equipment, but a platform for connection, collaboration and empowerment, saying that the station has come to improve the lives of the people by announcing them to limelight.”
He added that “information is key as it has the potentials to shape communities”, maintaining that Skills 87.7 FM will serve as a vehicle to bridge and ensure interconnectedness in its community of operation as well as ensure that the rich cultural heritage inherent in Okigwe is announced to the world.
Earlier in his welcome address, The Vice Chancellor, Gregory University, Prof. Augustine Uwakwe, represented by The DVC administration, Prof. Evaristus Anyaehie, said “the birth of Skills FM 87.7, is in tandem with the corporate mission of Gregory University Uturu embedded in the motor ‘Knowledge for Tomorrow'”.
He explained that the brain behind the choice of Okigwe as the location of the Radio Station was to complement the philanthropic gestures of the Founder, Prof. Ibe.
According to him, “this is his own way of substantially contributing to the development of the third largest city in Imo State, expressing optimism that Skills 87.7 FM, will indeed add value to humanity.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Imo State Chapter, Ifeanyi Nwanguma, charged the management of the station to engage seasoned Journalists to guard against quackery in the profession, pledging that Imo NUJ will partner the new Radio Station in future engagements.
On his part, The Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA, in Abia State, Chief Sunday Onukwubiri, appreciated Prof. Ibe, for attracting development to Okigwe Community and beyond.
He described him as a worthy son of Igboland who has embarked on community development over the years, calling for patronage from the entire Okigwe and beyond.
