Time to Be Represented: The Imperative for Investment in Igbo Indigenous Language Radio

Abstract

The Igbo ethnic group is one of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria; occupying the southeastern part of the country. Other major ethnic groups in Nigeria have indigenous language radio except the Igbo. Igbo people are the only ethnic nationality that has large human and economic presence across all regions of Nigeria. It is estimated that about 50% of Igbos live and do business outside the Igbo homeland. The BBC and VOA in recognition of the influence the Igbo ethnic group across Nigeria and in diaspora have Igbo language programmes belt. Bond FM of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Lagos for indigenous languages has Igbo as one of the three indigenous languages. Igbo language channels in the Nollywood movies channels are very popular among Igbos, but they are no substitutes for indigenous Igbo language radio. Pioneer television station in Nigeria was established in 1959, in southwest Nigeria and second one in Igbo land, in 1960; this proves the Igbos follow development but it is not so with establishment of indigenous language radio. Investment in Igbo indigenous language radio will survive both in Igbo land and other parts of Nigeria with large Igbo business presence, and will ensure representation of Igbo language in radio segment.