My Love for Radio

"Since the use of African languages on FM radios seriously emerged over the past decade and a half, because of news broadcast and discussions, illiterates who were in the past cut-off from any knowledge of what is going on round the world are beginning to follow events around the globe". - Kwesi Kwaa Prah, www.unesco.org

While growing up in south eastern Nigeria, one of the things that had the most lasting influence on who I have become was the Radio. We had no television nor internet. Radio was the eye through which I could see across the globe. Radio and radio stations around the region miniaturized the world and brought it home to me. It shaped my views and mindset. It was another classroom for me, with more fun and vibe. I learnt a whole lot listening to radio every day, most times twenty four hours non-stop, moving from one station to another. I knew off hand the program schedule of all the stations. There in the remote village, I could tell what was happening anywhere in the world as far it was on radio and on the newspapers. I remember once asking my dad whether you needed to contest election to speak on radio. To enhance the range of signals and quality of reception, my friends and I would erect bamboo sticks behind the house and mount an antennas on top. This connects with the antenna on the radio set inside giving you very clear signals. I also remember waking up early most times to listen to Focus on Africa on BBC and also to VOA. I was that ardent.

There were several of these stations; BCA 88.1 FM Umuahia, ESBS 96.1 FM Enugu, EBBS 98.1 FM Abakaliki, Radio Nigeria Enugu and later on Cosmo FM (now defunct) and Purity FM. Radio Nigeria later started Coal City 92.8 FM and the Medium Wave Channels. Coal City FM got me addicted to Radio. The station paraded some of the greatest voices you will ever hear, Aka Eze Aka (Aka the last), Effium Archibong (The Master), Barkumo Ado, Ikechukwu Ede, Olaedo Mbiwe, Flora Ojukwu and many others. I still remember the one year anniversary of the station. One of the activities marking the event was a competition for teenagers requiring them to submit a sketch of their favourite presenter (presenters they may never have seen before, they only get to hear their voices). This the organizers said was intended to stimulate the imagination of the young listeners of the station. In the keynote address, Prof Chinyere Okunna, the then Head of Department of Mass Communication Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka said that the radio remained the only source of information and education in millions of homes. Radio Nigeria always had something to offer anyone.

Then came Cosmo 105.5 FM with its wand. This station blazed through the south eastern air waves and beyond. Their delivery of sports, entertainment and youth appealing programs were second to none. They used to say that they play more music than the music factory. I will never forget Hakuna Matata and Sports Track. The presenters were awesome, they used only their first names. They held their many listeners spell bound until the station was rested. Being the only station running 24 hours a day endeared to many people in as many as thirteen states of the federation. Shutting the station down the way it was done was a huge loss.

The relevance of radio can never be over-emphasized. As long as there are places without internet connectivity, electricity and even the financial power to deploy other means of staying informed, radio will always save the day. There are lots of people that still do not have access to TVs, Newspapers, etc. these ones will always rely on radios to stay in touch with current realities in our society. Its simplicity and affordability makes it the most effective medium of information especially in developing countries. You can be actively listening to the radio and still be doing other things. It provides the farmer company while on his farm, as well as the market women in their small stalls. If there is one all-inclusive medium for education and information, radio is it.

Today 13 February is World Radio Day. This year UNESCO focuses on encouraging radio stations around the world, whether you are a community, private, or public radio station, to have the tools to be the best you can be. And that means ensuring you are having continued dialogue with the industry, its audience and the public in general.