By Femi Ajibode
By Femi Ajibode
RN2 Martins street Lagos, paraded some of the finest presenters/broadcasters around back in the day. The likes of Patrick Oke, Jacob Akinyemi Johnson (JAJ), Silver Ofogu, Willy Egbe, Sunny Irabor, Ohi Alegbe, Benson Idonije, Jones Usen, Ihria Enakhimo, Boniface Onogwu, Godwin Asuquo, Momoh Kubanje, Fred Oshodi, Ben I Omage, Ron Ekundayo (Ronnie the Cat), Tony Ibegbuna, Ladi Lawal, Ndidi Osaka, Phil Ushie, Femi Jarret, Wilson Akpabio, and Steve “the Sleek” Kadiri. Also among other radio prodigies are renowned sportscasters Ernest Okonkwo, Fabio Olanipekun and Dele Fatoyinbo.
FRCN2 known as RN2 was located on the 3rd floor of the Great Nigeria Insurance Company House on Martin’s street in the heart of Lagos Island often known as “The Sunshine Station”, was a prominent radio station in the late 1970s and 1980s. The millennial generation can hardly know this Top notch radio station, but older generations probably think of it fondly. It was the first radio station to broadcast on an FM frequency in Nigeria, and for many years it was a breeding ground for some of the greatest and most gifted personalities in the country’s radio broadcasting history.
These radio superstars made radio worth listening to in the 1970s and 1980s; they paved the way for today’s presenters; these guys had class and were a joy to listen to on the radio; they made our childhood memorable with programs such as Pop Round The World with Patrick Oke, “Silver Shadows” with Silver Ofogu, “The Dance party, The Space Shuttle and Nite Flight” with Jacob Akinyemi Johnson (JAJ), The floating Bukar, JAJ as the Anchor at night 10:00pm, Nigeria Police Reports anchored by Aloma Nwogbe with his Baritone voice, beyond the barriers 8:00pm, Wednesdays for the physically challenged, Martins Street Special with Seyi Martins, I Beg Una, Sunshine Choice, Top 10 songs, Musics Tropicana (musics all over Africa), Fuji half hour, Jazz musics, I troway salute, Masculine Line with Ihiria Enakhimio and later Ohi Alegbe, Long throat junction, Friday nite reggae night by Steve the sleek kadiri, and so on. Not to forget the short adverts then on radio was always part of the fun, the likes of ciga target, Alagbin aspirin, Saturday night powder, Joy soap, Blue Band Butter, Alabukun, Omo, Sunlight, Bournvita, Jet cream, Bata, Planta butter, Satin Sheen cream, Wise men Bank with UBA, and Tree Top. Radio then was informative and educative. The radio station signalled a revolution in radio broadcasting in Nigeria.
What do my fellow Oldskool brothers and sisters look back with nostalgia on RN2 ?
…. Nicked from Ajibode’s Facebook timeline.
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