Kwenu 93.9FM, Lagos’s first hybrid radio station, celebrated its one-year anniversary on Saturday, highlighting its commitment to cultural integration and development across Nigeria. The station, known for its unique blend of Igbo and Pidgin content across digital and traditional platforms, has cultivated a diverse and loyal audience.
During the anniversary event at the station’s Lagos office, Managing Director and CEO Lekan Ogunbanwo shared the inspiration behind the station, emphasizing its role in promoting unity and giving the Igbo community a voice in Lagos. He pointed out that prior to Kwenu 93.9FM, there were no radio stations dedicating significant airtime to Igbo culture and business in the city.
Ogunbanwo noted, “Research shows that Igbos control about 60% of distributive trade in Nigeria, with 70% of this trade centered in Lagos. Today, there are between four and six million Igbos living in the state.” The station dedicates its morning segment from 6 am to 1 pm to the Igbo community, while broadcasting in Pidgin from 1 pm to 10 pm, promoting integration.
Emphasizing unity, Ogunbanwo stated, “This is our country, and we must focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Promoting oneness is crucial for our progress.” The anniversary festivities included engaging meet-and-greet sessions with on-air personalities, as well as traditional prayers and the breaking of kola nuts, led by Mazi Uche Amaechi, to wish for the station’s continued success.
