On-Air Personalities in Nigeria have been described as salient catalysts for socio-economic development and therefore, deserved to get recognition from the government and the public for their role in providing unsolicited support that has re-focused many Nigerians in their life’s journey.
Co-founder of Nigeria Radio Awards, Mr. Williams Archibong said this to journalists in Abuja at a Press conference, where they unveiled the Nigeria Radio Award for on-Air-Personality aimed at bringing the important role of these silent but salient drivers of a stable society.
Archibong said it was important for Nigerians to be deliberate and consciously make efforts to appreciate their favourite OAPs whose contribution to sane society cannot be dismissed.
Archibong said their contribution to national development cannot be quantified as it cannot be dismissed because they render invaluable service to the socio-economic development of the country while they use the raio to impact on the people.
According to him, their role in preparing the psychological balance for many radio listeners serves the Nigerian society and wellbeing of the public among whom they provide direction on daily basis to many Nigerians.
He said: “These OAPs at all times of the day during their programmes are with you inside your sitting room, bedrooms and many other times while at work are providing entertainment and beyond that they share some life experiences that you relate with and gives you the kick to get going.
“Importantly, is their role to take you off depression and provide hope to many Nigerian listeners who may be depressed but need some words of encouragement and an OAP is on air talking on how to overcome life’s challenge. How can you quantify that kind of support? Archibong asked.
“Such counsel that encourages persons who have been beaten down and almost given up in life with no one available to listen to him or her challenges but has been met an unsolicited radio counsellor, whose advices re-energize people to face life again and become conquerors deserved to be recognized for their impactful role in the society.”
He said that radio presenters work night and day, although it is their jobs but they have become part of our lives and they reach us I the most secret places touching on our lives and turning us around for the better, the least we can do for the them is to tell them well done and gifting them a house, car or cash gift is not in any way comparable to their effort at making the Nigerian society better.
“We commend the talents and their efforts to entertain the public with their unique talents, we know that for the radio, work is day and night and we know that they do not get recognition and we are here to birth that recognition for them because they are silent catalyst for national development through their positive social influences that permeates the society.”
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