Ace Imo broadcasters honour Ikpeazu

Before the creation of Abia State in 1991, then Imo State Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), Owerri was the pride of indigenes of Old Imo State and indeed, the Southeast in general with the array of British and Nigerian trained On Air Presenters (OAP) who held the airwave with not only their flawless command of both English and local languages respectively.

Watching and listening to the likes of Paul Ogazi of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Channel 6 Aba analyze sports was a delight even when it is viewed from then famous black and white television.

The creation of more states such as Anambra, Abia and Ebonyi State respectively with various state governments setting up their own television and radio stations saw some of these finest broadcasters leaving for their various states to continue with their journalism practice.

However, after 27years that Abia State was created from Imo State, these OAPs with majority of them now retired decided to come back to see how they can join hands with both the state and federal government to use their wealth of experience in fostering national development and national unity.

Speaking at the maiden edition of veteran Broadcasters Day held in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, Governor Okezie lkpeazu commended the great selfless services rendered by the veteran broadcasters during their active days in service.

Dr. Ikpeazu, represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, after receiving an award on behalf of his boss commended the sacrifices and effectively contributions of the ace broadcasters to the growth of the broadcast industry in the country and commended them for creating an avenue within their forum to mentor young broadcasters.

Oko Chukwu while lamenting the activities of some media managers especially within the social media circle, appealed to the veteran broadcasters to use their forum to checkmate some of the ills ongoing in the field of journalism especially with the advent of the social media where information are now dished out to the society to witch-hunt and ridiculed government’s and perceived enemies and individuals. This is as he further stressed the need for a balanced reportage of information before disseminating them to the public.

He restated the present administration’s resolve to continue to support BCA, National Ambassador Newspapers and others media houses in the state to be up to date in best media practices for the overall interest of the state and country and appreciated the veteran broadcasters for honouring him with an award of an ” outstanding Governor of the year” promising not to betray the confidence repose in him.

In his address, the Chairman of Veteran Broadcasters Forum, Chief Nnamdi Olebara said that the veteran broadcaster of old IMO extraction, who once ruled the airwaves of Nigeria and beyond decided to come together to put into use their talents for national development.

Chief Olebara regretted that their services and talents were not appreciated during their service years but they remained unyielding and self motivated.

He commended the state governor, Dr Ikpeazu for his developmental stride in the state and also appealed for an assistance to enable them to meet up with some of their challenges facing them.