FLO FM FIFTH ANNIVERSARY: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE / MPACTFUL BROADCASTING

By Divine Nwankwo (Commentator on Contemporary issues)

On Friday, 25th March 2022, people from all walks of life would gather at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, for the grand finale of the fifth anniversary cerebration of the existence of Flo 94.9 FM, the most popular private radio station in Umuahia, established by the founder of Ray Nkemdirim Foundation, Chief Raymond Iheanacho Nkemdirim, Member Federal Republic (MFR).

This Fifth anniversary of scentillating broadcasting with greater impact in Abia State was properly organized to feature among other things, novelty football match between the Indomitable Stars of FLO FM and DJ Associations In Umuahia, in which the Flo FM club defeated its counterpart by 3 goals to 2.

Another activity fixed to add colour to the anniversary was early morning exercise for all christened “Walk for Good Governance and Participatory Democracy “. The Programme also featured free eye test and treatment for interested members of the public.

However, the grand finale takes place this Friday and would feature Flo FM Icon Awards to distinguished individuals, the fifth anniversary lecture by Maazi Sam Ohuabunwa, presentation and launch of a book on” Nigerian Security Challenges”, written by the Chairman, Flo 94.9FM, Chief Raymond Nkemdirim MFR and Gala Nite at De Latinos to round off the event.

This is also an occasion to celebrate the Chief Executive Officer of the Flo 94.9FM , Umuahia, Chief Raymond Iheanacho Nkemdirim, Member Federal Republic (MFR), who has given Abia people a radio station that answers the yearnings of the people with excellent, alluring and impactful broadcasting programmes.

The Founder of Ray Nkemdirim Foundation, Chief Raymond Iheanacho Nkemdirim, Member Federal Republic (MFR), fondly called Ray by family, friends and associates, is an illustrious son of Umuobiala in Isuikwuato of Abia State.

He is a renowned sociologist, lawyer and retired officer of the Department of State Service (DSS) who rose through the ranks and held the critical position of Director of Operations. With his professionalism and leadership capacity, Chief Nkemdirim parades unparalleled testament of competence, trustworthiness, commitment and excellence in service.

Indeed, Chief Raymond Nkemdirim MFR has risen to become like an iroko tree, standing so tall and providing shelter and succor to many around him. He deserves commendations for the uncommon interest, zeal and zest he has for humanity.

Apart from establishing this viable, most listened and reliable private radio station in Umuahia, the State capital, Flo 94.9 FM, Chief Ray Nkemdirim has over the years been known for his acts of kindness, benevolence, community assistance, philanthropy and love for humanity with various testimonies of how his programmes and projects have affected people’s lives positively.

With the establishment of Flo FM, Ray Nkemdirim is showing greater commitment to bettering the lives of the people through mediating between the government and the governed in sharing of information with feedback mechanism, which helps in giving proper information to the people as well as holding the government accountable to the people, which is the cannon of the media practice.

In this 1,827 days of Flo Fm experience in Abia, the Station has accomplished a lot, including training many and building capacity in the field of broadcasting. Above all, Flo FM has maintained the fundamentals of media including information, education and entertainment. It has really grown to become a station of choice for many. In fact, at five, Flo FM is a legend. The Station has not only ensured that it does not run foul of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Code but has maintained the tenets of broadcasting in Nigeria and remained objective in her programmes.

Flo FM in these years unde review has consistently featured programmes that have continued to keep its audience glued to it at all times. It has maintained peace, security and development in Abia State through its various programmes. Importantly too, the reach of Flo FM has gone beyond imagination, especially with its digital platforms that makes it visible and accessible through social media platforms and the internet.

At this juncture, the Station Manager, Flo FM Umuahia and celebrated journalist with administrative acumen and uncommon humility, Mr. Sampson Eze and his management team as well as the Central Planning Committee of this fifth anniversary ceremony are worthy of appreciation for taking it upon themselves to organise this great event. Also deserving acolates is the free-hand and unparalleled disposition of the Chairman of Flo Fm, Chief Nkemdirim to the management and staff, which has given these young men latitude of opportunity to express themselves, develop their skills and talents and become capable hands in the broadcast media industry today.

The grand finale which is slated to hold by 11am has Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha as special guests of honour, while Former NDDC Boss, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu is the Chairman of the occasion and expects government officials, the media, educationist, students and all lovers, partners, friends and fans of Ray Nkemdirim Foundation and Flo FM. Indeed, the fifth anniversary of FLO.94.9FM is loaded and worths celebrating.

Congratulations Chief Raymond Nkemdirim!
Congratulations Flo. 94.9Fm!!
Happy fifth anniversary, the Flo of God’s Own State!!!