Lawmakers and stakeholders in the entertainment industry have commended Chairman, Chrome Group, Sir Dr Emeka Offor for his decision to establish another radio station, Ijele 93.1 FM, in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
They described the decision as bold step to ensure promotion of Igbo language and culture through broadcasting.
Speaking during the commissioning of Ijele FM station recently by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, member representing Ogbaru federal constituency, Mr Afam Ogene said the radio station remained the first of its kind in the south east region.
Ogene, a journalist expressed satisfaction that the station was solely established for the purposes of promoting igbo language and culture.
He praised the benefactor for the initiative, noting that the fear of igbo language and culture going into extinction has been assuaged.
“Everybody, especially children can now get conversant with the language from listening to the Ijele FM,” he said.
Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji described the name of the station, Ijele as powerful and superb especially in igbo setting, where Ijele masquerade was regarded as king of masquerades.
He assured that the establishment of the station would be supported by the state government to ensure the objectives were achieved.
A renowned singer, Onyeka Onwenu said that the name of the station alone commands respect and uncommonly used.
Onwenu, who also performed at the event, said she was particularly happy that she was part of the event.
Member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Professor Lilian Orogbu expressed optimism that establishment of the Ijele fm would take many youths off the streets.
“This is what we are clamouring for because job creation should not be left for government alone,” she said.
Orogbu urged private individuals and organisations to continue to do their best in terms of employment, to ensure that the scourge was nipped in the bud.
Commissioning the radio station, Vice President Shettima appreciated Sir Emeka for creating employment with establishments of the station, charging management of the station to apply professionalism while discharging their duties.
Earlier, Sir Dr Emeka Offor explained that Ijele FM would promote Igbo language and ensure it did not go into extinction.
He said, “There’s no difference between
Blaiz FM and Ijele FM. Yes, they’re being housed under the same facility with the same management.
“But the Ijele is established to service the Anambra popular. The primary aim is not only to bring back the mother tongue, but to ensure the Igbo language doesn’t go into extinction (disappear).
“The Ijele radio is designed specifically to promote Igbo language only. With the official launch of Ijele FM radio station, we’ll be embarking upon a new era of communication and community engagement.
“This radio station, under the auspices of our Choffan Communication Limited subsidiary will be broadcasting solely in Igbo language.
“It will represent not only a platform for entertainment and news dissemination, but also a medium for promoting unity, progress and social cohesion.
“Through Ijele FM, we aspire to amplify the voices of the voiceless, cultivate informed and empowered citizenry and promote dialogue that fosters understanding and unity.
“Ijele FM shall serve as a beacon of knowledge, entertainment and inspiration for our society.”
On the Housing Scheme, Offor, who doubles as Founder, Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) explained that the 10 houses built and furnished for the widows represented second phase of the Touch-a-life project.
He said, “We’re honored to witness the official handover of the 10 housing units constructed under the umbrella of the Touch-a-life project initiated my his wife, Barr (Mrs)Adaora Offor.
These homes not only provide shelter for the widows who had endured immense hardship and loss, but give them opportunity to rebuild their lives and create brighter future for themselves and families.
“The beneficiaries were carefully selected taking into consideration vulnerability, spread, diligence, availability of land, among other factors.
“These projects are a testament to our unyielding determination to make a long lasting impact on the lives of the widows, heralding new beginnings and a profound sense of purpose.
“Our vision is that 20 houses will be built every year. So we’re expected to finish the ongoing 10 unit apartment in six months time.”
