Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
In the bustling city of Lagos, a young journalist named Angela Agoawike embarked on a journey that would shape her career and lead her to great heights in the media industry.
With a career spanning decades, she has held various prestigious positions and worked with renowned media establishments both locally and internationally.
From her humble beginnings at Weekend Post in Surulere, Lagos, to her time at the prestigious Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in the United States, Angela’s journey in the media has been nothing short of remarkable.
Having served as a Senior Reporter, Features Editor, Woman Editor, and Editor at reputable newspapers like the Daily Times and Post Express, Angela’s experience and expertise in journalism are indeed excellent.
She has also had the opportunity to work with organisations like OPEC, UNICEF, and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, where she honed her skills in communication and public relations.
Despite the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated media industry, Angela’s determination and hard work have set her apart. Yet she attributes much of her success to the support and assistance she received from her male colleagues, who have been her greatest cheerleaders throughout her career.
According to her, “The media space in Nigeria has been very masculine. This culture of masculinity has no doubt worked against some women, and even affected their career growth.
“Personally, I always say that my greatest cheerleaders in the media have been my male colleagues. Even now as a media owner, they remain my great supporters. So, no, I won’t say I experienced challenges because I am a woman,” she said in an interview.
In 2020, Angela decided to embark on a new venture by establishing Omalicha Radio 91.1FM. The name ‘Omalicha’ translates to ‘beautiful’ in the Igbo language, reflecting Angela’s vision of creating a beautiful and informative platform for radio listeners.
Angela’s idea was inspired by her passion for development and her belief in the power of radio as a tool for social change.
With a background in history, political science, and energy policy, Angela saw radio as a powerful tool to inform, educate, and inspire change in underserved communities.
“I have always been in the media rising from reporter to editor. I have also experienced media work in policy making establishments. So, when I left paid employment, I did not think there was any other sector to embrace but media.
“With my experience in OPEC and GECF, I could have veered into the energy sector, but I still was passionate about the media. I had also become exposed to broadcast media during my time at OPEC, supervising the OPEC live coverages and film/video production.
“I decided that I wanted to explore that area. As a journalist actively in the field, I had also been exposed to the development side of journalism, among others. So, I decided to explore the benefits of radio as a tool for development. I felt that radio has been role to play in this, as it is dominant in rural communities, she told Ikengaonline.”
One of the initiatives that have defined Angela’s mission with Omalicha Radio is her partnership with Ikenga Media & Cultural Awareness Initiative (IMCAI), the publishers of Ikengaonline. Omalicha FM transmits Ikengaonline’s monthly townhall meeting focused on discussing major issues affecting the South-East region.
It is also interesting to note that Angela has, within one year, leveraged the reach of her radio to shine the light on renewable and solar energy solutions that can transform lives and drive progress in communities that lack access to reliable energy sources. Her target has been to raise awareness and provide valuable information to communities that lack access to reliable energy sources.
As a trailblazer in the media industry, Angela Agoawike continues to inspire and empower others through her dedication to excellence and her commitment to using media as a force for positive change.
Her journey from a young journalist to a successful media proprietor is a testament to her resilience, passion, and unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. Angela Agoawike’s story is one of determination, courage, and above all, a commitment to making a difference in the world of media.
Fittingly today, Friday, September 20, 2024, Omalicha 91.1fm will be holding its Anniversary/Annual lecture at Horizon Hotel, Plot 660, Km 1 Road Safety Junction, Toronto Road, opposite RCCG (Youth Province HQ), Owerri. And one of the brightest stars from the South-East and the first female professor of mass communication in Africa, Professor Stella Chinyere Okunna, will take the centre stage at the event themed: “Empowering communities, bridging the energy divide for sustainable development: The role of Radio.”
What a journey it has been for Angie, as her friends love to call her. She could have taken her hard earned money and retire quietly into little opulence but she chose the altruistic road of contributing in the fight against the raging unemployment in the South-East by setting up Omalicha FM Radio. For this, she’s already in our Hall of Fame.
