Late Ben Egbuna: A Broadcaster Per Excellon Is Gone By Dr Qasim Akinreti
My condolences to the family of late Ben Ndubuisi Egbuna, Former Executive Director News Voice of Nigeria and Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
A Broadcaster of broadcasters, broadcast trainer, mentor and an administrator per excellon.
I came to Voice of Nigeria as an Intern in 1993. Oga Ben as fondly called along with late Tunji Oseni,then Director News ,Late Muhammed Okerejior,Deputy Director News and Haj Ishola Dada , Assistant Director News, encouraged and recommended me to the then Director General,Late Yaya Abubakar for employment as a staff in April 1994.
Under Oga Ben as Chief News Producer,I learnt the art of news production first as Producer Vonscope and later Sixty Minutes. The fear of Oga Egbuna is the beginning of wisdom in the Newsroom. After the days news production ,the verdict comes from Uncle Ben . If you are fortunate not to receive a phone call on your production, your day is made.
Painstakingly, he would write out your mistakes and take you through the corrections. These were later compiled into a note for VON News Directorate.
As a thorough professional,Oga Ben joined hands with others to produce a “VON Style Book” i.e the House Rules. He equally participated in writing of a book on the anniversary of Voice of Nigeria.
Together with Oga Osaze Iyamu, Digicast Magazine was born. An exciting and illuminating hard copy and online Broadcast Magazine.
He saw through my progression in the Voice of Nigeria to the management level and was happy at my election as the Chairman of NUJ Lagos State council in 2017 to 2020. I appreciate him greatly.
Unfortunately, I missed his 70th birthday while on official duty outside.
Rest in the Lord “Oga Ben”.
So much to emulate from him, a hardwork,logical presentations,and good writing skills. A master of prose and lucid writing of News Commentaries or Analysis.
Truly, Mr Ben Egbuna, MNI, is indeed one of the finest broadcasters of our time. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Dr Qasim Akinreti, is the Deputy Director Digital Media Voice of Nigeria.
