By Douglas Ogbankwa Esq. @douglasogbankwa@gmail.com
I used to as a young boy wake up by 5am to listen to African Proverbs on EBS Radio.
”The words of our father are words of wisdom,“ the Presenter would say. It was a programme filled with lessons and morals. A very good way to start the morning. That programme started in the days of Bendel Broadcasting Service (BBS).
Those were the golden days of broadcasting in Benin City dominated by Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) on its Radio @ 95.7 FM.
“The Star Station” and television @ Channel 55, EBS TV- “Nothing Else is Better.”
It was called “the Star Station.”
At a time, EBS Radio and Television were the only radio and television stations in the now Edo and Delta States. Then it was known as Bendel Broadcasting Service (BBS), before the 27th of August, 1991, when the then Bendel (Edo-Delta) State was split to Edo and Delta States. I make bold to say that the then BBS had the most talented OAPs in Nigeria. Later, it transmogrified to Edo/Delta Broadcasting Service and finally to EBS and DBS, Delta Broadcasting Service respectively.
At that time, the most exciting programme on EBS/BBS was the variety show. It was a show that made life fun for the profound, propelled by some of Nigeria‘s greats like Africa’s top movie director – Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen – the Guv’nor perhaps of Nigeria‘s greatest movie directors of all time and pioneer organiser of International Students Film Festivals in Nigeria, including the Igbinedion University International Students Film Festival and the Imo State University, Owerri International Film Festival. In “Variety Time” we had the likes of Ellien Otote, a great thespian and theatre creator, we also had an international broadcaster and cultural icon,-Ambassador Ehi Joe Ehigiamusoe , now in the UK. The programme provided a leverage for many young people to show case their talents and gave many of them a break in their chosen endeavours. So whether it was BBS, EDBS or EBS, one thing that the station did was that it made new stars .
Those were the days of the Mystery Lady “May Nwoko later Ifeoma Nwoko, I actually thought there was some thing mysterious about her, Chukwudi Ugboaja, Uyi Ihama, Charles Ogbogodo, Tony Umole (deceased ), Cosmos Omohinmin, Alhaji Shehu Dodondawa, Pius Ehimen, Ransley Abu, Comrade Joseph Isokpehi Osagie, Ann Olumense, Adesuwa Osunde, later Adesuwa Onyenukwe, Rev. Tunde Saint Barret, Joe Fabro Ikpomwosa, Babatunde Iwobi of the EBS Trade Fair Fame, Peters “Air” Irere of Jazz Music fame, the godfather-Godwin Egbe, the Ayomose Crooner-Peter, Imuona Imoaka of Highlife music fame and others too numerous to mention.
These icons inspired a generation of young persons on radio, including the writer to take a shot at radio with a very educative programme “Can You Guess” pioneered by Cosmos Omohimin, Alhaji Shehu Dodondawa and Ogini Oluwole Nicholas. The programme had the likes of Kennedy Ebakata, the late Francis Debba Omoregieva, Blue Guy Ernest Umegboro, Agbons Omoregbee, Osazuwa Osahon Peters, Bob Igechie, Fredrick Omo-Izobo, Ibrahim Momoh, Obilakaba Ikechukwu, Chris Omenai, Okenwa Christopher, Prof. Kingsley Ukaoha, Festus Alenkhe-now Chairman of NUJ, Edo State Council, Agbons Osawaru, Fredrick Omo-Izobo, Okenwa Christopher, Angela Ikimano now Angela Onyekpen, Agbonkpolor Joy , Egbagbe A. Sunday now a Medical Doctor in Canada, Bob Igechie and Dr. Jolly N. Igunma-CMD of Jonos Clinic, Second East Circular Road, Benin City; Ambassador Odey Jolly, Omenai Charles, Barrister Ogaga Emongware(now deceased), Osazuwa Nosayaba Peters, Osazuwa Osahon Daniels – who was the first person in Nigeria to win N5 million in “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” and others too numerous to mention.
The programme ‘Can you Guess’ was rested and sacrificed for another programme, Beats and Laughs. I understand that the then management of EBS preferred Beats and Laughs to Can You Guess, because in their opinion it appealed more to the citizens, saying can you guess appealed only to a few elite. I wonder how they came to such a faulty conclusion till today. The alumni of Can You Guess are thinking of bringing the programme back even at our expense. That is how passionate we are about the programme.
There was a period EBS horned a generation of young OAPs who are excelling in their areas of endeavours all across the country.
The Programme “Campus Request” produced the likes of Suleiman Aledeh now Sulai Aledeh, Chris Ellems, Tracy Osadolor-now of the University of Benin; Mary Ajayi and the late Samson Ohimiokhai (nephew to the late High Chief Raymond Dokpesi). They were mostly young students of the University of Benin(UNIBEN), who combined their studies with broadcasting and they excelled in both.
Rita Okechukwu and Tracy Osadolor were the love angels of EBS Radio, churning out melodious songs at night with ease and pleasure every night, serenading listeners to sleep! They were the love doctors who helped many heart broken people to mind their hearts or perhaps broke many hearts (this is a comic life ), with love songs. Sulai Aledeh is now the MD of EBS, an indication that hard work pays and following the principles of life without cutting corners can get you to the top. Sulai is an embodiment of the EBS Story
Cordelia Okpe had a sway with “Make a Minute,” a very educative programme that emphasized on the use of English to talk about any subject. She had a profound mastery of English as she had A1 in English from Idia College, Benin City and she was the talk of the town as it was unusual to have an A1 in English in those days. Her diction was faultless and her command of language was compelling. She later became GM of Metro FM in Lagos at a young age .
Who can forget the comic Felix Ogie of Una Good Morning Show on BBS/EDBS EBS Radio, a vintage and satiric pidgin English programme that pioneered the exposure of the ills of society on Radio in Benin and that even criticised the government of the day.
Vivien Okafor the ebony black beauty, Rita Okechukwu, Amina Ebor, and Flora Bossey, were doing newscasting on Television, but the Queen of newscasting was the very comely and suave Sidi Lawa-Igio. Watching her on EBS Channel 55 Comprehensive News was like watching Arise TV News of today.
She was a beauty to behold, elegant in appearance, graceful in gait and outstanding in speech. Aunty Sidi had a knack for excellence and as Head of Presentation of EBS, you better watch intonation, else you would be axed. She grew a generation of broadcasters, who are all top of their game .
Another indelible character in EBS then was the very boisterous and enterprising Felix Okugbe, who was the Sports Czar in EBS then. He made the watching of the 1994 World Cup memorable. In between the World Cup matches, the delectable Ann Olumense read the news. Felix Okugbe and Ann Olumense later ended up as husband and wife. Felix had earlier made his mark with the Ugbowo Bombers, a football team of young lads that won the Gothia Cup in Denmark about twice in the 90s. He was a passionate man, who was ahead of his time. He later moved to AIT, after which he set up his out fit, before his unfortunate demise. He will be sorely missed.
Who will ever forget “Mr Psychology”-Sylvester Oguname, who brought football to life, with his very indepth analysis, spiced with thrills and frills. He was one in a million, a man with raw passion and fire 🔥 in his mouth. Karl Orakwe was a great sportscaster, together with Nosa Emeka Ottey-the scion of Rev. Tunde St Barriet. We also had Felix Owolabi, Comrade Isokpehi had a good way of making sports a delight to watch and listen to.
The late Cletus Balogun was a great sight to behold reading the Channel 55 Comprehensive News and later presenting a celebrities programme together with Osagie Asabor (former GM EBS), Charles Ogboghodo@ Atagama, Terry Isaacs Idahor, Uncle Dan Aigbavboa, Jacob Afekhena, Kenneth Emumwen, Ebosele Ohifoh, Osarytin Ero, Osazee Obazee etc.
The Channel 55 Comprehensive News however was cooked in the inner recesses of the EBS News Room by egg heads like Mr Lola . Ebueku, Ransley Abu Osagie (former GM), Mr. Edokpayi, Mr Ehi Braimah, Pius Ehimen etc. It was a close group of experts, who controlled the news structure. It was headed by the Controller News, a very powerful figure that actually controlled what news comes in and goes out of EBS.
There were also other very enlightening programmes on EBS Radio like “What am I,” “The Music and the Maker,” “Morning Drive.“ This was were you had egg heads like Alhaji Shehu Dodondawa, Oseni Salami, Felix Owolabi, Cosmos, Godwin Ogbe, Omohimwin Dupe Rufus etc
“Reggae Extravaganza,” presented by the highly philosophical Senior Kings Ogbebor (SKO-the Sage), which is still on air on EBS Radio till today. It should be the longest lasting programme on EBS Radio now. SKO and Radio any where in Nigeria. SKO is a legend that should be celebrated as the man who popularised the reggae culture in Benin. He has stood as a colossus, building bridges with Reggae and keeping the reggae spirit goin. This year he is going to organise the 44th Bob Marley Day holding in Shamrock Lounge and Event Place in Benin City. It promises to be fun as I understand.
There were three innocent voices on EBS then. They included that of the then very young Jessica Ologbosere who is now a lawyer and is also now of Channels Television. She was so quiet, humble and respectful. She had a mellifluous voice, that was like that of a nightingale. Then you had that of Oduwa Imasuen, a very lucid voice mellifluous in sound. The third was that of Onyewense Obadigie that was like that which T. S. Elliot said “It sweetly plays in tune.”
The trio of Andy Bello, Kris Enabulele and Fidel Castro also made their mark with their signature show- Breakfast Groove which had huge fellowship. They pioneered musical shows, the Lagos Style in Benin. St. Patrick’s Oiwoh was a constant factor on his morning shows. He is now in charge of EBS Radio. He is the one that has had the Wedding of the Century of an EBS Staff in Benin City, some years ago, where who is who in the Nigerian showbiz and political class were present.
Festus Alenkhe known for his now reintroduced Prime Time TV and Radio Programme “Crime Watch.” The Programme has a unique feature of exposing the criminal activities of alleged felons. Festus Alenkhe has passionately fought crime with his programme “Crime Watch” , using his money to fund the process. His story is an indication that passion can give you power, if you follow through.
Vivian Okafor, Flora Bassey, Courage Asia Madam Amina Ebbo, were also stars in the “Star Station.” EBS Radio was truly a station made up of stars and nothing else was better. Those were the golden days of EBS Radio. Those golden days are gone.
Who will forget a special class of broadcasters like Uyi Ihama, Paulyn Ugbogaga, Rev. Tunde Saint Barrett, Mary Ota Odemili, Jacky Pius, Sammy Davies, Dean of the Old School, Andy Bello, Fidel Kastro, Emeka Nosa Ottey, Rita Okechukwu, Vivian Okafor, Tracy Osadolor, Onyewense Obadigie, Saint Patrick’s Oiwoh etc
Reverend Tunde Saint Barrett in 1999 moved from being Public Relations Officer(PRO) of Edo Broadcasting Service to being General Manager(GM) a surprise to many at that time and he did his best to reposition the station. During the 2007 and after the 2007 elections, politics took its tolls on EBS and merit was thrown to the bins. EBS became a tool in larger political schemes and this buried the fervour of EBS .
The Edo Broadcasting Service has to reinvent itself. One of the biggest mistakes was relocating the Radio Station from the Broadcasting House at New Lagos Road and giving the House to the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue. The Broadcasting House was purpose built with a recording studio with which yours sincerely and others recorded the programme, “Can You Guess” and other programmes. I doubt if EBS has any real radio recording studio, as we recorded with midgets, which produced low sound quality.
There was an artiste system in place at EBS then promoted by Mrs. Adesuwa Kupulati as then Sole Administrator of EBS, where young and talented persons where given opportunity to show case themselves, while being given stipends. This brought out all these talents. There was no politics, if you were good, you were good. It was under this system people like Sulai Aledeh, Festus Alenkhe, Chris Ellems, Mary Ajayi, Tracy Osadolor, Samson Ohimokhai, and I had an opportunity to showcase our talents.
Now, we have to look at attracting young talents again, by re-introducing the artiste system. That is the future of EBS Radio. Look out for all the names indicated above and you will find that they are mostly on top of their game!
Will the stars shine again? Right now, Sulai Aledeh is MD, Festus Alenkhe is AGM and Saint Patrick’s is in charge of Radio. Those young boys of yesterday are the ones in charge now. Sulai Aledeh is doing a great job repositioning our dear EBS. EBS is not just a radio station, it is a heritage. The stars are rising again.
About the Author: Douglas Ogbankwa Esq. who is a former participant and presenter of the programme “Can You Guess”, on EBS is the immediate past Director of Strategic Communications of the African Bar Association (AfBA) and the founder of Benin Writers’ Society.
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