By Jerry Ochada
A leading digital channel, Unity Radio and Television (URTV World) has officially unveiled their brand on Saturday, 3rd December 2022.
The event held at Chida Hotel Abuja attracted the presence of many elites of Igala extraction.
Delivering a keynote address, Prof Armstrong Aduku Idachaba spoke on “The Role of Media in Developing Igala Nation“.
He said the purpose of development is to pave way for a rise in the economic wellbeing of the nation.
According to Idachaba, a Professor of Theatre Art and the immediate past Acting Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission “Igala land remains one the most blessed geographical zone in Nigeria. However, the Igala economy is largely retarded but we have increased our capacity in the sphere of education.
“Our health care is also not very impressive. Our people visit dispensaries and patent stores for treatment.
“Unemployment remain a major issue. Therefore, it remains arguable whether we have advanced as a people but we still have a long way to attain our developmental objectives“, he recounted.
He noted that development cannot be discussed without mentioning the media.
“The media is very key as a catalyst of development and as a component factor. The media data in Igala land is very poor but advancement in technology has paved way for accessibility to the social media”.
He noted that URTV is strategic to feature on the social media in line with the new world order and thanked the CEO of URTV for the initiative.
Idachaba further gave a historical insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Igala kingdom by citing great contributions of notable Igala musicians in the likes of Paul Odi and the music of Yahaya Ogbogodo about the Nigerian Civil war.
He also noted Joseph Abu’s writing about the life and times of Ameh Oboni, cultural songs and displays by Awodi Inacholo, Nana Edibo and other premier Igala artists.
Idachaba said Igala media has a historical origin and cited great innovators like Paul Odi who commenced musical careers in 1948 to showcase the culture and heritage of Igalas to the world.
He also pointed out areas of negative tendencies in the kingdom. He said these songs had corrective properties from the traditional time and raised awareness.
He climaxed his remarks by explaining the Igala video debut he premiered in 1994 when he was a lecturer at the College of Education, Ankpa. The film was a historical compendium about the revered Ata Ameh Oboni.
Idachaba called for synergy among the Igalas while tasking the elitist class of Igala origin to support projects that can better the prospects of the entire Igala kingdom.
In his remarks, the CEO of URTV, Alh Ilyasu Onechojon who addressed the audience in Igala language explained the vision that birthed the digital telecommunication station.
He said his passion to carve a niche in journalism spurred him to attend the prestigious International Institute of Journalism.
Onechojon highlighted the challenges of practicing journalism in Igala kingdom and called for collaborative support in the area of funding as the TV station is in dire need of gadgets and a comfortable office space. He said in the nearest future, URTV would compete with CNN and Aljazera as it is poised to showcase Igala to the world.
The Member Representing Idah Federal Constituency, Hon David Zacharias promised to donate a car to facilitate movement and logistics for the Television Station.
Highpoint of the event was side attraction by Igala guest artists and comedy presentation by MC Paparazzi.
Posthumous award was presented to Prince Abubakar Audu, the first indigenous governor of Kogi state; Dr Mamman Iduh and Pa Abdullahi Ibrahim SAN.
Other recipients of awards at the event include veteran journalist, Alh Yakubu Mohammed (Media Fellowship Merit Award), Prof Armstrong Idachaba, Benjamin Peter Ebiloma of Radio Kogi Ochaja, Hon Muritala Yakubu Ajaka and other notable personalities.
The event which was anchored by a renowned Igala film director, Thompson Makolo Jnr also witnessed the presence of Alh Ibrahim Idris, a former Governor of Kogi state represented by Dr Aminu Attabor, Dr Victor Adoji, the PDP Senatorial Candidate for Kogi East, His Majesty, the Ata of Igala, Chief Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II represented by Igala traditional council Abuja chapter, Bishop Festus Alilu of the Word of Power Ministries International, Hon Aminu Ndah, Dr Saidat Lami, Chief Odoh Akowe, Mall. Realone Emeje, Sunday Attabor (Oma Igala) and a host of other dignitaries.
