BY TONY OKAFOR
The recent change in the broadcast schedule of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) has left many in the state and beyond feeling nostalgic and disappointed.
The abrupt shift in the timing of the Igbo news and commentary, a tradition inherited from the old Anambra State, has sparked widespread complaints, particularly amongst the elderly.
As a proud son of Anambra, I add my voice to the chorus calling for the reinstatement of the ABS 9am Igbo news and commentary.
For decades, the 9am Igbo news and commentary has been an integral part of the daily routine of Ndi Anambra and their neighbours.
It was a time-honoured tradition that brought people together, fostering a sense of community and shared identity.
The likes of Chukwuma Ogbenna, a legendary newscaster, anchored the news with passion and dedication in the old Anambra State, making it a staple of Anambra’s cultural heritage.
The new management of ABS may have had their reasons for changing the broadcast schedule to around 6:45 pm, but the decision has undoubtedly killed the joy and nostalgia associated with the 9am Igbo news and commentary.
My elderly mother, a villager who has always looked forward to this daily ritual, is among those lamenting the change.
In a world where traditions and cultural heritage are increasingly being eroded, it is essential that we preserve and promote those that bring us together.
The ABS 9am Igbo news and commentary is more than just a broadcast; it is a symbol of our shared identity and a connection to our past.
Therefore, I urge the Managing Director of ABS to reconsider the decision and reinstate the 9am Igbo news and commentary.
This move would not only restore a beloved tradition but also demonstrate a commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Ndi Anambra.
The ABS 9am Igbo news and commentary must be reinstated for the benefit of our people and the preservation of our heritage.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, should intervene in this matter as part of his Ministry’s oversight function of ABS as a parastatal.
Please, spare us these old people’s tears; it is an odd spectacle.
