FRCN @75: My odyssey with Radio Nigeria

 

An online source said, “Guglielmo Marconi is generally credited with inventing the first practical radio system in the mid-1890s, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physics and the title “father of radio”. However, the invention was a culmination of work by several inventors, with Nikola Tesla holding key patents and Heinrich Hertz discovering radio waves.” According to Lifeline Energy, in a world filled with mobile phones, tablets and computers, people often ask us, ‘Why radio’? The answer lies in its unparalleled reach extending to millions without internet access. Radio’s enduring power to educate and inform in everyday life and in emergencies is just as important today as it has always been for 100 years – and possibly even more so today.”

According to UNESCO, “Radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse. Its unique ability to reach out to the widest audience means radio can shape a society’s experience of diversity, stand as an arena for all voices to speak out, be represented and heard.”  The United Nations declared February 13 as World Radio Day, and the theme for 2026 is “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice”. This theme, announced by UNESCO, focuses on the responsible integration of AI in broadcasting, emphasising its role in supporting innovation and audience engagement while maintaining human trust and professional judgment. To underscore the importance of radio, the renowned and award-winning musician, Don Williams sang one of his most popular songs in its honour. “Listen to the Radio” is a country song famously recorded by Don Williams in 1982.

The first radio station in Nigeria was established in 1933 as a relay station for the British Broadcasting Corporation, known as the Radio Diffusion System in Lagos. This early service allowed public access to broadcasts via loudspeakers before later evolving into the Nigerian Broadcasting Service in 1951. Last Wednesday, precisely April 1, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, better known as Radio Nigeria, celebrated 75 years of its establishment. In a congratulatory message issued by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, on March 31, 2026, President Tinubu affirms the dynamic, vibrant, and central influence of the FRCN in Nigeria and beyond, as Africa’s largest broadcast network with 47 FM stations and six zonal stations. As the FRCN turns 75, the President urges the station to continue fulfilling its core mandate in line with its slogan, “Uplifting the People and Uniting the Nation.”

On the occasion of Radio Nigeria’s 75th anniversary, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised the FRCN for its legacy of trust and national service, announcing the government’s commitment to modernising public media through infrastructure investment. He highlighted new 50-kilowatt transmitters in Kaduna, Ibadan, Enugu, and Gwagwalada, emphasising Radio Nigeria’s role in unity and professional broadcasting.

Celebrating Radio Nigeria’s 75th anniversary, Director-General Dr Mohammed Bulama hailed the corporation as a “beacon of proof” and a “voice of reason” against misinformation. He emphasised that after years of neglect, the institution was being repositioned, with a focus on digital innovation, credibility, and national unity.  He stated, “@75, Radio Nigeria is not just celebrating its past, but preparing for a stronger future,” evolving with its audience by embracing digital spaces while maintaining its core mandate. He reiterated that integrity and public trust are the pillars that have sustained the organisation for 75 years, promising to continue this legacy.

 He noted that despite challenges, the present administration of President Bola Tinubu is providing funding, which he believes will help solidify Radio Nigeria’s position as a leading broadcaster in Africa.  He urged staff to be creative, professional, and dedicated, stating, “The next chapter of FRCN will be written by you.”

Even though the celebration continues, on April 1, 2026, the management of Radio Nigeria invited two of their illustrious former staff members, Mrs Ilemi Okoka and former Vice President, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, to read the news at 7am and 4pm, respectively. That was quite thoughtful.

Without being immodest, I am a celebrated writer and analyst with many awards in my kitty. At the last count, between 1990 and now, I have been published in 84 newspapers/magazines and have been an analyst on 70 television and 89 radio stations, both national and international. My journey with Radio Nigeria started about 23 years ago (2003), shortly after moving from Lagos to Abuja to start work as the Programme Manager with Electoral Reform Network. We used to invite Radio Nigeria to cover our events.

Over time, I have become one of the trusted resource persons for the station, both at its Abuja head office as well as its zonal and state stations. I have been a regular on Africa Thisweek since the time Idara Ukpanyang was anchoring the programme. I have featured on “Know Your Rights” when Bose Ijelehai was the host before the programme was rested. I have been a regular on “Kontri Matter”, a pidgin programme, since the time Tope Ojeme and Martha Eche used to anchor it. From time to time, I am on Politics Nationwide, Radio Link, Issues of the Moment, and the FRCN Mandate studio (to review elections). Countless times, I have been a guest analyst on the news hours of the Radio Nigeria network. I have several times been a guest on Mementoes when Adedamola Tinubu (Dammy T.) was the anchor on Premier 93.5 FM, Ibadan.

I am using this medium to celebrate regular callers on Politics Nationwide and Radio Link. They are Ada Odaze, Chief Jude Ugboaja, Ada Unogu “Ambassador” Danjuma Derideri, Patrick Okoroafor, Chief Fidel Onyeneke, Andrew Ajayi (The Radio Senator), Izuagbe Ibrahim, Abubakar Musa, Adam West, Mohammed Jibrin, Ben Motuanya and Marcel Enechi. From different towns and states across Nigeria, these ladies and gentlemen have been consistent in calling in to air their views.

Over the Easter weekend, I did a vox pop to enable me to know what some of the management staff, producers and presenters on Radio Nigeria thought about my style of analysis. The simple question I asked all of them via WhatsApp is, “FRCN just celebrated the 75th anniversary of its establishment. I have been a resource person for the organisation for over 20 years. How will you rate my analysis?” I have received 27 pieces of feedback from about 35 people I sent the message to. Here are some of the responses:

“Indeed, your analysis and discussion have amazingly contributed towards the socio-economic and political development of the country. Very good!” – Sani Suleiman Masun Wunti, former Director, News FRCN. “You are a factual analyst, respecter of time, diligent and one who believes in the progress and oneness of the country.” – Olufemi Filani, Acting Director, Ibadan Zonal Station. “Top-notch. You’re sound and grounded. You have a grip on what you churn out on air and not just on the airwaves of Radio Nigeria, because I also watch and listen to you on other TV and radio stations. I read your write-ups (in The PUNCH) as well” – Emilia Ojemudia, Manager, News, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station.

“If one were to grade your contributions, you aren’t just an observer of history; your analysis has helped document and shape the Nigerian narrative during a period of immense national transformation” – Zacheus Babalola, Deputy Director News/State House Correspondent, FRCN Headquarters. “You’re one of the best resource persons Radio Nigeria has had the honour of inviting to contribute to national and public issues. Your analysis and contributions to topical issues show how astute and vast you are. I always look forward to having conversations with you on the Daybreak Show. Thank you very much for always being available when we call on you, sir.” – Okemute Eguriase, Daybreak Show host, Kapital 92.9 FM, Abuja

“In the years I have known Mr Jide Ojo, he has been an exceptional analyst. He is an interviewer’s delight who handles issues without bias and from a strong point of research. Jide Ojo exhibits great depth on National and International issues and shows capacity to delve into any issue that concerns Nigeria’s development.” – Fubara Pepple, Asst. Director News, FRCN. “Sir, you are the most reliable and punctual resource person, particularly for those of us in the Political Unit of the Corporation. The station will continue to appreciate your insights, contributions and opinions on National issues.” – Salihu Tanimu Mohammed, Controller News, FRCN. ”Mr Jide Ojo has been a voice to reckon with on Radio Nigeria, shaping national discourse and setting the agenda for good governance and national development. – Maureen Eke, Assistant Director, News, FRCN. Thanks much to all those who responded; space constraints here won’t allow me to publish all your feedback.

I.G: @jideojong