by Following the establishment of Fad 93.1FM and its entrance into the Calabar air waves on 1st September, 2017. The management and staff of Fad media group has paid a courtesy call to the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, the fifth. Natural ruler and treaty king of the Efik Eburutu on Tuesday 10th December, 2019 at his palace in Hawkins Street, Creek town, Calabar.
The delegation was led by the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Fidelis Duker. The courtesy call was to inform the paramount ruler of the Efik Kingdom and the members of the traditional council of the activities of the new media outfit in Calabar and Cross River State at large.
Introducing the Chief Executive officer, the spokesperson for Fad93.1 Fm, Anthony Duke gave a brief history on his various engagements and professional journey so far. He stated that Mr. Fidelis Duker is the convener of the renowned Abuja International Film Festival which attracts professionals and bring together protégées in the cinema world.
He added that the later has had over 30 years’ experience in the Nollywood Movies industry as he has played the role of mentor to many of the fine actors and actresses Nigeria has produced while also attributing his success to his wife, Mrs. Temitokpe Duker.
In his goodwill message to the Obong of Calabar and the Traditional Council, Mr. Fidelis Duker stated that when he got the license to operate in 2015, he took the challenge to come to Calabar which is his home town and establish Fad 93.1FM as a way to promote the values and norms and culture of the Efik Kingdom.
Mr. Duker also announced that FAD360 TV which is a digital/satellite and online television has signed on to Startimes and would commence operation in January 2020. He noted that other cultures have proper representations in movies aspect but the Efik culture needs to be and properly communicated via television, hence the establishment of FAD360 Television. He also mentioned that all the staff were recruited from Calabar.
Mr. Duker thanked the traditional ruler and his council of Advisers and Otu Ekong’s for hosting his entourage, pledging to also be of support to the council.
The Obong of Calabar in his response to the FAD team commended Mr. Fidelis Duker for his giant strides in broadcasting while he also recalled meeting him in Lagos some years back. His Eminence, said that he and his council has welcomed the FAD media group to Calabar as he also rejoice that the airwaves of Calabar city would be filled with good content.
On portrayal of the Efik culture, the Obong of Calabar stated that the traditional council should be consulted so as not to misrepresent the language, values and ideals of the Efik kingdom. The Obong of Calabar shoed gratitude to the FAD team while saying that they are welcome to stay.
The Royal Father offered prayers for the soon to be established television arm, saying that God’s blessing be given in abundance.
In a vote of thanks, the Executive Director Marketing, Mrs. Temitokpe Duker heartily thanked the Obong and his council for the love and hospitality while she also briefed them on the meaning of FAD as being the in thing. Mrs. Duker on behalf of the team presented the token of goodwill to the Obong of Calabar and his traditional council while the meeting to an end with a group photograph after which the team took their leave.
Ogundeji Olusegun Calabar
