ASABA: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN); Chairman of THISDAY/ARISE NEWS Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; and the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr Charles Ebuebu, were among prominent personalities who witnessed the formal opening of The Big Heart FM in Asaba.
The new digital radio station was commissioned on Saturday in Asaba, with dignitaries and stakeholders describing its arrival as a significant development for the media industry in Delta State and Nigeria.
They said the establishment of the station would strengthen grassroots communication while creating opportunities for employment, education, cultural promotion and community development.
The guests also commended the founder of Big Heart Radio 92.1 FM and legal practitioner, Dr Anthony Idigbe (SAN), for investing in the state and establishing the station as a platform for informing, educating and entertaining the public.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, commended Idigbe for his continued investment in Delta State, particularly his contribution to the development of Asaba.
The governor described radio as a powerful medium for giving citizens a voice and urged the management, journalists and broadcasters of Big Heart Radio to uphold the principles of responsible journalism and professional broadcasting.
He, however, advised the station to ensure that its criticism of government and public institutions remained constructive and objective, stressing that its activities should contribute to positioning Delta State as a peaceful and investment-friendly destination.
Prince Nduka Obaigbena, who chaired the occasion, described the establishment of Big Heart Radio as a welcome development capable of strengthening grassroots communication.
Obaigbena said radio remained a powerful medium “for the people and of the people,” noting that investment in communication was also an investment in society.
He commended Idigbe for establishing the station and observed that the presence of the NBC Director-General and other prominent personalities at the event demonstrated that the station had been duly licensed and authoritatively endorsed
The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, also commended Idigbe for what he described as a noble initiative.
Azinge noted that it was the first time an Asaba indigene had brought such a major media investment to the city, describing Big Heart Radio as a landmark project worthy of celebration.
According to him, the station aligns with his vision of rebranding Asaba and empowering the people to tell their own stories.
The monarch encouraged other Asaba indigenes to emulate Idigbe by contributing to the development of the city.
“Today is a new dawn,” Azinge said, while appreciating the Delta State Government and the NBC Director-General for their support and presence at the event.
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, who was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nkem Nweke, commended the founders, management and staff of Big Heart Radio.
He expressed optimism that the station would make a positive impact in Delta State and beyond.
“May this station go on air and remain on air for the good of our people,” he said, while urging the management to maintain high ethical and professional standards.
The founder of Big Heart Radio 92.1 FM, Dr Anthony Idigbe, who holds the traditional title of Akulonor Ahaba, said the inauguration marked the beginning of the realisation of his vision to establish a digital broadcasting platform dedicated to educating, entertaining and informing the people.
Idigbe said the station was established to bridge communication gaps and provide a platform where people could connect, exchange ideas and participate in the development of society.
He commended Governor Oborevwori for his leadership and efforts to attract investment to Delta State.
He also appreciated the Asagba of Asaba for his innovative leadership and commitment to the development and transformation of the city.
Idigbe paid tribute to the Obuzor of Ibusa and thanked Prince Obaigbena for identifying with the vision behind Big Heart Radio.
He equally expressed appreciation to his family for their support and understanding, particularly for making part of the family land available for the establishment of the station in the heart of Asaba.
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mr Charles Ebuebu, commended Idigbe for the initiative, describing the commissioning as more than a homecoming but an opportunity to celebrate an innovative project.
Ebuebu noted that radio broadcasting had evolved beyond conventional transmitters, with audiences increasingly accessing radio content through mobile devices and digital platforms.
He urged Big Heart Radio to focus on the impact it would make in the lives of its audience, stressing the importance of preserving culture, promoting enterprise and contributing meaningfully to society.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Richard Agu, a friend and former university schoolmate of Idigbe, described the legal practitioner as a goal-getter who had remained committed to completing projects he embarked upon since their university days.
Big Heart Radio 92.1 FM is designed as a convergence of traditional and social media broadcasting, with the capacity to reach audiences through conventional radio, digital platforms and mobile devices.
The high point of the ceremony was the first live broadcast from the new station by Prince Obaigbena and the Asagba of Asaba.
The brief remarks by the NBC Director-General, Charles Ebuebu, further marked the formal commencement of Big Heart Radio 92.1 FM’s broadcasting journey in Asaba.
