CELEBRATING OMALICHA RADIO, 91.1 FM, A VOICE FOR DEVELOPMENT

By Dr Tony Onyima.

On Friday, September 20, 2024, Omalicha Radio 91.1 FM, Owerri, a beacon of independent development broadcasting, will celebrate its first anniversary. Founded by the seasoned journalist and editor, Ms. Angela Agoawike, the station has become a critical platform for community empowerment and sustainable development, especially in the heart of Owerri and beyond.
As we mark this milestone, it is fitting to reflect on the significance of the station’s achievements and the role it continues to play in the landscape of communication, community development, and the bridging of critical divides.

Omalicha Radio was conceived as more than just a conventional station; it was designed to be a catalyst for change. Through its programming, it gives a voice to the voiceless, addressing issues of underdevelopment and inequality while nurturing hope. It seeks to empower communities by providing them with vital information on health, education, agriculture, energy, and the environment. This focus on development journalism has made it a distinctive voice in the crowded media landscape.

The upcoming anniversary lecture, titled *“Empowering Communities, Bridging the Energy Divide for Sustainable Development: The Role of Radio”*, underscores the station’s mission. The topic is timely and profound, as it addresses one of the most pressing global challenges—the energy divide. Millions of people across Africa still lack access to reliable energy, a situation that stifles development and perpetuates poverty. By focusing on how radio can help bridge this gap, the station underscores its commitment to being a force for social good.

The choice of speakers for the event is also a testament to the caliber and significance of this occasion. Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, the first female professor of mass communication in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, will chair the event. Her trailblazing career in media and academia makes her the perfect figure to lead such a conversation. Alongside her, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization, will deliver the keynote speech. His expertise on energy issues across the continent adds an important layer to the discussion, highlighting the intersection of media, energy, and development.

The impact of Omalicha Radio cannot be overstated. In just one year, it has cultivated a space where the pressing needs of communities are discussed with honesty and depth. From amplifying grassroots voices to holding leaders accountable, the station has demonstrated the crucial role that independent media plays in a functioning democracy.

Furthermore, its emphasis on sustainability resonates deeply with current global efforts to combat climate change and promote renewable energy. Through partnerships with civil society organizations and other development stakeholders, Omalicha Radio has become a hub for dialogues around clean energy adoption, agricultural innovation, and educational reforms. By doing so, it has bridged the information gap, giving communities the tools they need to make informed decisions.

As the station embarks on its second year, the future holds even greater promise. Omalicha Radio will undoubtedly continue to be a dynamic force for community empowerment. In a world grappling with complex challenges, it stands as an example of how local media can make a global impact by shaping the narratives around sustainable development and fostering an informed, engaged populace.

In celebrating this milestone, we honor not just the vision of Ms. Angela Agoawike, but also the station’s commitment to being a lifeline for development in Nigeria and beyond. Omalicha Radio’s journey has only just begun, but its impact will echo for generations to come.