IMSG is poised to uplift IBC – Anyaehie

From Everest Ezihe, Owerri

Imo State Government has stated her resolve to uplift Imo Broadcasting Corporation, IBC (the owners of Orient FM and Orient Television) to be in tandem with the 21st century expectations of electronics broadcasting media.

Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Chief of Staff to Imo State Government disclosed this in Owerri on Thursday at the organization’s multi purpose studio complex when he represented, Governor Hope Uzodimma as special guest during the maiden IBC Golden Voices Award and as part of the programmes marking the 2025 World Radio Day.

Uzodimma who lauded the media house for their age long contributions in the upliftment of the state, most especially in assisting his government in achieving the mission and vision of his Shared Prosperity and 3R administrative mantra.

He reiterated the commitment of his administration in ensuring that the State government owned media house is operating optimally and can compete favourably with her peers before the end of the year.

Speaking, Hon. Declan Emelumba, the State Commissioner for Public Orientation, Information and Strategy, also applauded the staff and management of IBC for their doggedness despite challenges.

Emelumba noted that the State government has shown compassion on things concerning the corporation and is willing to do more, advising them on the need to make request for a waiver to enable them employ more professionals.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Miss. Ify Onyegbule, the Director General, Imo Broadcasting Corporation thanked Governor Uzodimma for upgrading the workers salaries following the last promotion, noting that “we know with you, it can only get better. We are also grateful that you mentioned us, the IBC in your 2025 Budget speech, you said and I quote “IBC will be duly subvented and completely digitalized to meet up with the demands of 21st century broadcasting”.

Onyegbule stated that, “with the aforementioned, imolites can access our Radio and TV from anywhere in the world, these words have kept hope alive for us here at the station and we wait with bated breath for this to come to fruition because we are ready to work and do our jobs as the state owned Media that we are!”.

The Director General lamented over an exodus of people retiring and no one is replacing them and for this reason, she passionately asked for a waiver to enable her employ young, vibrant, technologically savvy and professional individuals that will grow in the system and drive same system to an enviable height.

She informed that the last time the organization ventured into recruitment exercise was in 1991/92 and many of those who were recruited then have retired, some she said are retiring this year and the last batch will be in 2028 which leaves a dearth of professionals to do the job.

“Today there is the “top heavy” situation and the bottom rung of the ladder is empty and grappling!” she lamented.

Onyegbule who noted the essence of the occasion as to celebrate veteran Broadcasters, who made Radio and TV worth the while for people of the State and even beyond.

The veterans she named are, Chief Donald Ekenta, Mr. Ethelbert Nwachukwu, Ambassador Onyebuchi Onyikegbulam, Lady Imelda Nwakego Oyiogu, Chief Joe Ehioma, Prince Coleman Nwanne, Chief Mahakwe Ike, Dr. Chinyere Ujunwa Okere, Mr. Isaac Anyanwu and Nze Chike Osuji.

“These men and women gave their time, their youth, their talent, sowing seeds in Broadcasting, they walked the path that many of us tread today, they excelled in their various fields and their contributions have inspired us and many others carrying the torch they lit in the course of their careers. These men and women are the reason for the IBC Golden Voices Award 2025.

“There are many other beautiful and excellent Broadcasters who unfortunately are no longer with us and we also remember them today, because of the stellar performances that have come to characterize their journeys here at the Imo Broadcasting Corporation, IBC. We remember and celebrate 2 former Directors General, Evangelist Esther Obong-Egbuna and Sir. Chudi Onuzor of blessed memory and if there is anything like people who have gone, looking down from where they are, I’m sure they’d be proud of this moment, knowing that people appreciate their contributions to Broadcasting.

“We chose today, the World Radio Day to celebrate these legends because it’s the right thing to do, in over 25 years of my career as a Broadcaster, I have found out that people call it a thankless job because they expect you to just do it, not many broadcasters are celebrated even though broadcasters celebrate and project others and for this reason, we as IBC have chosen February 13 every year to celebrate Broadcasters who have done well in their careers, starting from the veterans and onto those who are still on the job here in IBC” she insisted.

Among the highlights of the well attended occasion that was thrilled with Omenaimo Cultural Dance is special recognition awards to Hon. Declan Emelumba, Barr. Ralph Nwosu, Hon. Ernest Ibejiako, Prof. Johncliff Nwadike,Sir Ifeanyi Oruh, Barr. Ruby Emele and Chief Ferdinand Uzodimma, the Commissioners for the Ministries of Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Works, Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, Education, Rural Development and Economic Empowerment, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Deputy Chief of Staff respectively.

Other eminent personalities they recognized are revered Traditional Rulers , HRM, Eze (Dr.) E.C Okeke, EzeUdo of Amaifeke, Chairman Imo Traditional Council, Chairman South East Traditional Council. HRH Eze T.O Obiefule, Paramount Ruler, Umudioka Ancient Kingdom, HRM, Eze (Dr.) Innocent Opara, Ezeugo the 2nd of Orji Uratta Autonomous Community and HRH Eze Phillip Uzodimma, Ononenyi 1 of Ozu Omuma among others.