SPOTLIGHT ON EMOKHARE, PAUL ANTHONY ABIODUN: MEET THE STATION GENERAL MANAGER OF DIAMOND 101.1 FM, IBADAN

Dr. Paul Anthony Abiodun Emokhare

In the bustling Nigerian city of Ibadan, the University of Ibadan Community Radio Station (Diamond 101.1 FM) which was established in 2008 has become a prominent voice in the local media landscape. The Station was officially opened on the 30th of October, 2008 by the Executive governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Alliu as part of activities marking the 60th Anniversary of the University. Diamond FM is the 3rd community radio station that was established in Nigeria after Unilag FM and Unizik FM. The community radio station is focused more on "Promoting Values and Excellence" and it’s located at the Media Centre of the University of Ibadan. 

In the last 15 years, Diamond FM has grown to become the choice FM station in the city of Ibadan and its environs. At the helm of this station is Dr. Paul Anthony Abiodun Emokhare, a lecturer, Author, a seasoned and veteran broadcaster with over 2 decades of experience. He is the pioneer Station General Manager, a position he held since 2013 to date.

This graduate of Theatre Art from the premier University of Ibadan, a seasoned broadcaster and an ICT guru, Dr. Paul Anthony Abiodun Emokhare was born and bred in Ibadan over 50 years ago, precisely on the 25th of December 1967 but a native of Edo state. He is a Trilingual person as he speaks English, Yoruba and Edo (mother tongue) fluently. He started his primary education at Christ the King Primary School in Ibadan from 1977 to 1981 for his Primary School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to Oke-Bola Comprehensive High School in Ibadan from 1982 to 1986 and Loyola College in Ibadan from 1987 to 1988 for his West African School Certificate.

Following his secondary education, he proceeded to the prestigious premier university of Ibadan, where he obtained his Diploma certificate in Theatre Arts from 1990 to 1993. He furthered his studies at the same university where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts- media production from 1993 to 1999.  Due to his commitment to continued learning and professional development, he returned to the University of Ibadan in 2000 for his master’s degree in Theatre Arts - Electronic Media.

His quest for knowledge and skill development in broadcasting and journalism didn't end there. In 2006, he attended the Radio Nigeria Training School for his Diploma in Programme Production and later pursued training at the Radio Nederland Training Center from 2007 to 2008 where he earned a Diploma in Factual Media programming. In 2009, he attended the Ethiopian Radio and Television Training Center to broaden his professional skills where he also earned a Diploma in Radio / Television Programming. He also bagged a Master of Philosophy from Babcock University, He bagged his Ph.D. in Communication and Media Studies at Ajayi Crowther University, Iwo, Osun State. He also attended the Nigeria Institute of Journalism Ibadan. Aside from his media and theatre art background, he is well-skilled in the computer and ICT world. 

He is well-skilled in Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation, Content Management, Adobe Premier Editor, Adobe Audition and Adobe Video Editing Program.

His journey into the world of radio began in 2004 when he served as a Senior Programme Producer at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria. During this time, he honed his skills in producing quality radio programs. He was there till 2009. His deep passion for community engagement and a desire to amplify the voices of the University of Ibadan community led him to join the University of Ibadan Community Radio (Diamond 101.1 FM) as a Senior Executive Officer and Content Manager in 2009. In this role, he played a vital part in shaping the station's content and ensuring its smooth running. His exceptional skills and dedication led to his promotion as the Station General Manager in 2013, a position he holds to date. As the Station General Manager, he oversees the day-to-day operations of Diamond FM, ensuring that it remains a reliable source of information and entertainment for the listeners. Under his leadership, the station has become a hub for promoting local talent, discussing important issues, and fostering a sense of unity among the diverse student body and the community at large.

Furthermore, he is an Adjunct lecturer at Dominican Catholic University where he Teaches Broadcasting and Development Communication. This Honorable Secretary, Association of Nigerian Campus Broadcast Stations is the author of "The Radio And You" which will be published soon.

Emokhare's contribution to the broadcasting industry extends beyond his work at the University of Ibadan Community Radio. He worked as a Media Consultant for the Prevent AIDS Society (P.A.S), a non-governmental organization focusing on HIV/AIDS, from 2005 to 2007. He also served as a Consultant for New Media Approaches and Cross Media (health) Information/Education for the Department for International Development PATHS Ekiti State Health Project from 2004 to 2006. Additionally, he worked as a Senior Programme Producer for the Partnership for Transforming Health System (PATHS) from 2004 to 2005.

This graduate of Theatre Art has showcased his skills in various creative endeavours. He served as the Assistant Director and Production Manager for the stage play "All for Oil" by J.P. Clark from 1999 to 2002. Emokhare's talent as a playwright shone through with his screenplay "Tomorrow," which was written for CHESTRAD International, a non-governmental organization in Ibadan. He also produced advertorials for the Oriade Initiative and ACHOSHED for CHESTRAD International, while serving as their Media Consultant. He was the Senior Programme Producer for the PATHS partnership for transforming the health system and he produced the audio and visual jingle for Prevent Aids Society (PAS) and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT).

He is a member of various professional associations including, the Nigerian Sport People Writers Association (SWAN), National Association of Nigerian Artist Practitioners (NANTAP) and Rotary Club International (District 9130). He is also a committee member of the Ceremonials Committee University of Ibadan,  a Member of, the University of Ibadan 75th anniversary Committee and a Member Center for Social Orientation (CENSO) since 2012 to date.

He has also Coordinated and Facilitated training like Communication in Media Arts A workshop organized by the Society of Missionary for Africa (SMA). He also participated in the British Council workshop coordinated by  Tony Butterfield in 1997. 

He was a Facilitator at the Media training and Training of Radio Drama scripting and a five-day training workshop in Content Development for UNICEF all put together by the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Culture. He was also a Facilitator at the UNESCO training workshop for community radio stations in the South West held in Niger state with the theme "Strengthening Access to Information through Community Radio".

His vast experience, expertise and commitment have made him a renowned figure in the broadcasting industry. As the Station General Manager of the University of Ibadan Community Radio Station (Diamond FM 101.1), he continues to lead and inspire his team to produce quality content that resonates with the community.

With his extensive dedication to community engagement, Abiodun has played a pivotal role in shaping Diamond FM, Ibadan into a platform that serves and empowers the University of Ibadan community.

His style of leadership as the Station General Manager of Diamond FM, Ibadan has been instrumental in transforming the University of Ibadan Community Radio Station into a vibrant platform that serves and empowers its community. Through his passion for community engagement and commitment to excellence, Abiodun has created a space where diverse voices are heard, issues are discussed, and knowledge is shared. As Diamond FM, Ibadan continues to evolve under his guidance, it is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.