A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and proprietor, Big Heart Radio 92.1 FM, Asaba, Chief Anthony Idigbe has said the platform will contribute to community development.

According to him, the station will provide a platform for dialogue among government, businesses and residents of Delta State.

The station’s objective, he said, extends beyond news and entertainment to providing space for different interests to engage on issues affecting society.

Idigbe spoke at the station’s official inauguration in Asaba, the Delta State capital, saying the radio station was established to promote truth, education, creativity and constructive public engagement.

“Our vision is to build a platform infused with truth, education, creativity and hope: a media platform that creates a meaningful bridge between government, business and the people,” he said.

Idigbe said the name “Big Heart” was intended to reflect the station’s commitment to integrity, community voices, Delta’s cultural heritage and enterprise.

He said the station would seek to earn public trust through professional journalism and responsible broadcasting.
“As Big Heart Radio begins its journey, we aspire not merely to be a station that is listened to, but one that is trusted, not merely a voice on the airwaves, but a partner in progress and a positive force for societal transformation,” he said.

The SAN acknowledged the support of the Delta State Government, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), his wife, Elizabeth, his family and the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN), among others.

He also thanked the Chairman of Arise News and ThisDay, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, who chaired the inauguration, as well as the Director-General of the NBC, Mr Charles Ebuebu, and his team.

Idigbe pledged that the station would maintain professional standards and responsible journalism as it begins broadcasting.

The Asagba of Asaba, Prof Epiphany Azinge, described the station’s establishment as a significant development for the city, particularly its potential to promote Asaba’s cultural identity and economic interests.

Azinge said the radio station could provide a platform for Asaba residents to tell their own stories and promote the community’s heritage.

“We need to brand and rebrand Asaba by telling our story from our own perspective, promoting our rich cultural heritage, developing our young people and giving them the inspiration to aspire to greater heights,” he said.

He commended Idigbe for establishing the station in his hometown and urged its management to use the platform to promote Asaba’s culture and traditions to audiences within and outside Delta State.

Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the event, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, said the establishment of the station reflected investor confidence in Delta State and would create another channel for communication between government and citizens.

The governor, in a message delivered by Osuoza, said radio remained an important medium for information, dialogue and public engagement.

“Big Heart Radio therefore has an important role to play in connecting government with the people, giving communities a voice and promoting the development of our state,” Oborevwori said.

He said the station’s objectives were consistent with aspects of his administration’s MORE Agenda, particularly efforts to expand economic opportunities, strengthen peace and security, and promote development.

The governor also assured investors that Delta remained open to business, saying the government would support investments capable of creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities.

He urged the station to maintain accuracy, fairness and balance in its reporting, stressing that criticism remained an essential part of democratic governance but should be informed and constructive.

Chairman of Arise News and ThisDay, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, described the investment as an opportunity to strengthen journalism and grassroots communication in Asaba.

Obaigbena said radio remained an effective medium for connecting communities with their leaders and ensuring that local concerns received attention.

“Radio belongs to the people. It communicates with the people, and it gives the people the opportunity to communicate with their leaders,” he said.

He congratulated Idigbe on the initiative and said the station had the potential to amplify the experiences and aspirations of people in Asaba and the wider Delta community.

The inauguration brought together government officials, traditional rulers, media executives, business leaders, members of the legal profession and other guests.

The station’s launch adds a new player to Asaba’s broadcasting sector, with Big Heart Radio expected to provide news, public affairs programming, entertainment and cultural content, while also offering a platform for local businesses, organisations and talents across Delta State.