Fond memories of the legendary Yoruba Leader and first Premier of the defunct Western Region, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, came alive on Thursday in Ibadan at the 60th anniversary of Africa’s first broadcasting station, the Western Nigeria Television Station, WNTV.
The occasion was graced by veteran media practitioners including Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, Chief Olu Falomo, Folake Solanke, Chief Sanya Oyinsan, among several others.
It was eulogies for him especially by Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who praised the late sage for setting the pace by establishing the stations which grew to be the training house for all broadcasting stations today in Nigeria.
To the governor, the cerebral politician and an exemplary leader of men, represented an inter-generational link, who gave to his Yoruba people, the defunct Western Region and the nation at large quality and selfless leadership whose record would remain evergreen in the memory of all well meaning Nigerians.
He noted that the late sage lived before his time just as he lived ahead of his time.
Akeredolu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, spoke at the grand finale/ /Gala Night in celebration of the anniversary, organised by the television’s Alumni, held at Intentional Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event was organised by the Foundation for Ibadan Television Anniversary Celebrations (FITAC) under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Yemi Farounbi.
Particularly, he noted that the defunct Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) as it was then called, later became the breeding hub for future lights in the nation’s broadcast industry, saying that the Southwest is particularly fortunate to have had Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
WNTV Ibadan was the first television station launched in Nigeria and Africa by Awolowo on October 31, 1959.
He said: “Chief Obafemi Awolowo was indeed a many parts, Awolowo is described in various ways by different people. He was in most cases, defined variously by even the same persons. To many, he defied proper and befitting description. It is, therefore, with nostalgic emotions that I stand here to play the role for which I am invited.
“Such synergy, in my view, does not erode neither will such diminish our individual peculiarities we have found treasurable in the six states of the Southwest. The time to act is now.”.
Highlights included awards presentation and cultural display
