60 years of TV broadcasting: Awolowo, Enahoro eulogised

Considering their role in pioneering television broadcasting in Nigeria and Africa, the former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his Information Minister, Chief Anthony Enahoro, has been lauded and eulogized for putting the region in the world map.

Against this background, activities have been lined up to mark the establishment of Africa’s first television station, Western Nigeria Television and celebrate the legends.
 
The celebration will reach a crescendo with the grand finale is set to hold on Thursday, 31st October 2019 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. 

According to Chief Lekan Alabi, co-convener of the event, who disclosed this in Ibadan yesterday, the celebration becomes imperative to acknowledge the purpose of television in Nigeria and Africa at large as envisioned by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“We must give kudos to our founding fathers for that vision. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Premier of the western region that commissioned WNTV/WNBS, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Minister of Information and our staff in former Western Nigeria and the super civil servants who implemented government policies.

“In the morning, we shall have a book launch. We have written two books – the history of television in Africa and reminiscence by some selected former staff”

Alabi added that during the celebration, awards will be given to veterans and individuals who have helped in shaping the broadcast industry in Nigeria and Africa at large among which is Chief Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, Sunny Ade and post hummus awards to the likes of Duro Ladipo, Haruna Ishola, Hubert Ogunde and a host of others. 

He however charged political office holders and broadcasters of today to emulate the doggedness and commitment of the olden age, which helped to grow and develop Nigeria.

“Wishes don’t make things to happen, yes, we must have a vision but we must follow up with action. That’s what our leaders did. We are now glorifying them and basking I’m their euphoria”.

The celebration was put together by the foundation for the Ibadan television anniversary celebration (FITAC) under the chairmanship of Ambassador Yemi Farounbi.