TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CHIKE EGBUNA

THE NEED TO IMMORTALIZE THE LATE CHIKE EGBUNA

Brethren, if the gospel truth must be told; frankly I’m being faced with imbroglio as I present this critique owing to the fact that a lot of things has gone wrong or has been mishandled. If you know me too well, you would know that I’m not good at withholding facts especially when it has to do with sensitive issues. I don’t intend in any way to speak in tongue or in parable, thus, let’s have it this way as stated below.

It’s often said that “Who the cap fits, let him wear it.” In the same vein, a very popular citation says, “To whom much is given, much is being expected.” Many similar quotations too numerous to mention are in existence, but I wish to quit at this point since I’m not here to cite citations. Needless to say; we know why we’re gathered here. The reason I’m standing on this pulpit at this time is simple and self-explanatory only if we can absorb the aforementioned theme with absolute sincerity. Mind you, no member of this congregation is known for dishonesty, and such canker won’t commence today.

Penultimate week, barely few days ago, a bosom friend of mine called from Spain in Europe to make an enquiry on how the present political administration in Imo State had been thriving towards good governance. In summary, candidly I told him that the government in question was good in honouring (recognizing) competence. On that note, I let him know that anyone who adores competence must arrive at his/her success room. Let’s ride on!

It’s of no need reminding us of today’s topic because I’m of the view that it’s boldly and widely written. Thanks to my artist for ensuring that clarity and boldness remains his watchword while inscribing the theme on the banner; and to the ushers for the job well done while hanging the banner.

Brethren, the Late Chief Dr. Chike Egbuna who died eight years ago, 20th January 2005 precisely was a man of many colours; an impeccable inventor, international figure, renowned media tycoon, undisputable philanthropist, enigma par excellence, epitome of humility, inter alia the progenitor of millions of brains and intellectuals that are still in existence.

Chike Festus Egbuna otherwise known as MR. SOUL, born to the prestigious family of Elder & Princess Gabriel Orjichukwu Egbuna in Ubachima Awo-Omamma, Oru East LGA of Imo State dropped a remarkable footprint on the sand of time prior to his eternal exit. He left Nigeria for England at a very tender age of 18, and successfully studied International Relations, Mass Communications and Broadcasting in various citadels of higher learning in the U.K. His academic studies also include Political Science and Economics.

After his education which was an all-round affair in both Arts and Social Sciences, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) of London invited him to its African Service at the Bush House in Central London. Due to his immense love for his country of origin, while in BBC during the Nigerian Civil War, he ran homely media programmes like “Calling Nigeria” and “Calling Africa” concurrently. He was also a Guest writer/Presenter, Editor, Consultant, Music analyst and Disc Jockey to various Radio and Television broadcasting firms both in Germany and Holland which include Radio Deutsche Welle, Cologne (The Voice of Germany), Radio Nederland Hilversum – Holland, and Sudwestfunk Baden-Baden – Germany respectively. Above all, he recorded several other achievements too numerous to mention during his stay overseas.

The same love he had for his country and his continent as well, made him come back to Nigeria not long after the end of the said Civil War, to publish a Black African monthly Magazine “INDIGO” to reflect the indigenous patriotism in him. He was also the Co-Founder, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of a Music Man’s monthly Magazine “DISKMART” due to his extreme passion for music.

Later in his life, he applied his journalism/publishing career to politics when he was recognized as the Chief Image Maker of the then Governor of the Old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo. A position that attracted an enormous admiration from all and sundry throughout his service years.

When the Nigeria politics was hijacked by the military, he returned to his broadcasting career. He was asked in 1987 to write a blueprint for the establishment of a Frequency Modulated (FM) Station at Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) Owerri by the then Commissioner for Information, Dr. Chris Anyanwu. The design he presented was so enticing that the Commissioner urged him to come from Enugu where he lived to Owerri, to pilot the newly proposed FM Station. But being a man who believed in competence and fairness, he insisted that an interview should be conducted in case there were other “better hands”. All in all, he won the interview and was gladly asked by the Imo State Government to come to Owerri and resume duty as the Director of the FM Service and Special Duties; the position from which he rose to Director General until his retirement in April 2001. As a DG, he made IBC to become the envy of all which I was a living witness. Above all, the level of humility that originated from him while he was the DG cannot be overemphasized. He was the person who made me to know that the DG of a broadcasting firm can as well anchor news or programmes; the least in the number of the signs of humility discharged by him while on earth.

Being the Patron and award recipient of fathomless notable Social/ Professional Non-Governmental Organizations both home and in the diaspora was not unconnected to his creative ingenuity, elegant uniqueness and innumerable philanthropic gestures he lived to showcase.

The Late Chike Egbuna was indeed endowed with outstanding talents that led him to great heights in journalism and politics. A man who started his broadcasting career in far way British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), London where he earned the reputable name “Mr. Soul” and ended that in his home-state broadcasting firm, Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) where he took time to nurture his lovely and loving wife, Esther Egbuna in broadcasting excellence that has also earned her the famous name “Sister Ee”, and as well made her to rise to the position of the first substantive female Director General of the same broadcasting house at a very young and exuberant age; a rare history indeed!

We’re already aware that information is power. Suffice to say that, a society yet to be informed is apparently still living in the past. In other words, information which can only be guaranteed by journalism can also be referred to as societal light; and we all know what light signifies. If we’ve unanimously agreed to the fact that information ought to be seen as “Societal light”, then someone who played a very major role while alive to ensure that not only his home state but Nigeria in general embrace the efficacy of information should be tagged as a light progenitor. Truly, the Late Dr. Chike Egbuna was a light progenitor! Based on this, I urge not just the Imo State government but Nigeria at large to revisit the numerous flawless idiosyncrasies and accomplishments of the deceased while on earth with the aim of ensuring that, his name becomes immortal.

I bet you, immortalizing the Late Chike Egbuna is like placing a round peg in a round hole. At this juncture I plead with each of everyone of us who knows what it takes to be a hero and what’s required to make a history to kindly and earnestly support this holistic crusade. Though the proposed gesture is long overdue, but it’s better late than never for posterity sake.

He deserves the cap, therefore it should be given to him to wear. Most importantly, he gave the society the best before his eternal departure, so he expects the best in return even in his grave. After all, the present government in Imo State, which is the state he came from, understands the actual meaning of competence and heroism. Yes he is late, but the golden footprints he left behind will continue to chant eulogies on his behalf for eternity. Think about it!

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COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist

frednwaozor@gmail.com