Kwenu 93.9FM, the first hybrid radio station in Lagos, marked its one-year anniversary on Saturday, celebrating its role in fostering cultural integration and development across Nigeria.
Known for delivering a unique blend of Igbo and Pidgin content through both digital and traditional platforms, the station has earned a loyal and diverse audience.
During the event, held at the station’s office in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lekan Ogunbanwo, a retired Permanent Secretary from the Lagos State Public Service, shared the inspiration behind Kwenu 93.9FM.
He explained that the station was launched to promote unity and give the Igbo community a voice in Lagos.
“Before Kwenu 93.9FM, there were no stations dedicating up to seven hours daily to the Igbo culture and business in Lagos,” Ogunbanwo noted.
“Research shows that Igbos control about 60% of distributive trade in Nigeria, with 70% of this trade centred in Lagos. Today, there are between four and six million Igbos living in the state.”
He continued, “We wanted to give the Igbos a platform to ensure there’s no fear of Igbos ‘taking over’ Lagos. The morning segment, from 6 am to 1 pm, is dedicated to the Igbo community, while from 1 pm to 10 pm, we broadcast in Pidgin, a language of integration spoken widely across Nigeria.”
Emphasising the need for unity, Ogunbanwo said, “This is our country, and we must focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Nigeria binds the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and others as one people. We all have a responsibility to maintain peace and avoid misunderstandings, as chaos hampers business and growth. Promoting oneness is crucial for our progress.”
The anniversary celebration featured a lively meet-and-greet session where on-air personalities engaged with listeners, creating memorable interactions.
The event also included prayers and the breaking of kola nuts, led by Mazi Uche Amaechi, to wish for the station’s continued success.
Nkechi Mordi, Head of Station, praised the staff for their role in promoting integration through both the Igbo and Pidgin segments.
She expressed excitement about how listeners have embraced the station, even forming an association of Kwenu 93.9FM fans.
Deacon Marizu, leader of the Kwenu one big family comprising frequent listeners, expressed joy at having a station dedicated to the Igbo community in Lagos.
He commended Ogunbanwo for recognising the need for such a platform, highlighting Kwenu FM’s impact in amplifying Igbo voices, not just in Lagos but across the country.
To conclude the celebrations, the station’s listeners and callers presented Ogunbanwo with an award for humanitarian service, recognising his efforts in providing the Igbo community with a platform to be heard in Lagos.
