Happy birthday the exalted man, Fan Ndubuoke
By Ori Martins
The inimitable Chief (Sir) Fan Ndubuoke is iconic in many respects. His life is complete with a career regaled in hard work, dedication, vision and success.
Starting off professionally at the old Imo Broadcasting Service (IBS), Ndubuoke exhibited passion for professionalism and commitment to honesty, integrity and patriotism.
As a youth, he perfectly understood the powers of education and the gains of self development. Thus, while at IBS now IBC, with permission, he travelled all the way to University of Lagos (UNILAG) for a diploma programme in journalism.
Upon completion of the course and subsequently returning to his duty post in Owerri, the ebullient Ndubuoke was inappropriately given what could be administratively described as a stood off by his employers.
Disappointed but not dejected, Ndubuoke dramatically as well as diligently argued his case with the IBS management then led by the legendary Dr Anyim Ude, a First Class Brain in broadcast administration.
Of course, that matter was everywhere in the old Imo State. Those who used to follow Ndubuoke’s scripts as a sociopolitical and sports reporter but were no longer getting to hear his name or byline began asking questions.
That way, Mbaise traditional rulers, including but not limited to Eze Nwachukwu Udoaku, Eze Oguguo, Eze Osuagwu, Eze Mbalewe, stormed the Imo State Government House, and got audience with the then military administrator, Ike Nwachukwu.
Convinced that Ndubuoke was badly treated, the latter got across to IBC management and Ndubuoke was left off the hook. To celebrate Ndubuoke’s professional prowess, the Mbaise traditional rulers, collecticely recognized him the chieftaincy title of Ezinwa Mbaise. It was the first of its kind.
Ndubuoke didn’t just return to IBC, he returned with a bang. Bringing the experience he acquired from UNILAG into practice, he created the sports desk that made the radio station fans’ first choice. Before his efforts, IBS only had sports programme that featured only outside broadcast of sports events, particularly football matches.
A man of energy and courage, Ndubuoke pragmatically discharged his duties excellently at IBS. His professional inclinations never went unnoticed. When the Champion newspapers published by the business mogul, the late Chief (Engr) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, hit the newsstands in 1988, the managers instantly came for Ndubuoke.
It was at Champion newspapers that Ndubuoke proved his mettle as one of the best sports journalists in Nigeria. On several occasions, the redoubtable Paul Bassey, the sports editor of the newspaper, commended Ndubuoke for his beautiful attitudes as a professional. He also recommended him for promotion and recognition.
One aspect of Ndubuoke’s life that must have to be highlighted is his emergence as the national president of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The Mbutu born veteran sports journalist had entered the race for the chairmanship of Lagos SWAN. He had campaigned vigorously but lost to Comrade Emeka Odikpo of Radio Nigeria.
Nevertheless, that loss turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the national SWAN body eventually annulled all elections in all the states within that period.
Shortly after, it was SWAN national election and all who participated in the previous state elections were banned from contesting. That way, Ndubuoke entered the contest and ultimately emerged SWAN national president; and the first Igbo to be elected to that exalted position.
Since then, Ndubuoke has been so exalted in all things he does!
Happy birthday and more blessings ahead!
