Delta State – History was made on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, commissioned Big Heart Radio 92.1 FM, a pioneering media establishment owned by renowned legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Tony Idigbe, marking the emergence of the first radio station owned by an Asaba indigene.
The station, strategically located in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area, was unveiled during a colourful ceremony attended by traditional rulers, government officials, media executives, professionals, business leaders, friends and associates of the Idigbe family.
Representing Governor Oborevwori at the event, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Michael Osuoza, formally commissioned the station and described the investment as a major contribution to the media and socio-economic development of Delta State.
He noted that radio remains one of the most effective tools for information dissemination, public enlightenment and civic engagement, urging the management and staff of Big Heart Radio to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy and responsible journalism.
According to him, while the media has a duty to hold public institutions accountable, criticism should always be constructive and geared towards promoting good governance and societal progress.
Osuoza commended Mr. Idigbe for demonstrating confidence in the state’s investment climate and for choosing to invest in a project that would empower citizens through information and education.
The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, described the establishment of Big Heart Radio as a landmark achievement and a significant milestone in the history of the Asaba Kingdom.
The revered monarch noted that, to the best of his knowledge, it was the first time an Asaba indigene had established a major radio broadcasting station in the state capital.
He said the project aligned perfectly with his vision of repositioning Asaba and encouraging indigenes to take ownership of the city’s development through strategic investments.
“Today is a new dawn in Asaba Kingdom because this is the first time a son of Asaba is bringing home something of this magnitude to the community. I recall my visit to DOTT TV station owned by a Deltan, but the difference now is that Big Heart Radio 92.1 FM is solely owned by an illustrious son of Asaba.
“At a time like this, my vision has been to brand and rebrand Asaba in many ways by telling our stories from our own perspective, propagating our rich cultural heritage, and bringing capital by training the younger generations. We must put them in a particular direction to enable them draw strength and inspiration from what people like Chief Tony Idigbe have been able to accomplish,” Asagba Azinge affirmed.
He also expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for their support towards the successful realization of the project.
Chairman of the occasion, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, described the commissioning as a welcome development that would deepen grassroots communication and enhance public participation in governance and community affairs.
He emphasized that radio remains the most accessible medium for reaching ordinary people, adding that investments in communication infrastructure are investments in societal development.
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, in an interview after the official commissioning of the radio station, urged the management of BiG HEART Radio 92.1 FM, Asaba, to use the station as a responsible platform for promoting truth, unity, and development in Delta State.
Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nkem Nwaeke, Guwor described the establishment of the radio station as a welcome development, stressing that broadcasting plays a vital role in informing, educating, and uniting society.
According to him, “A radio station is more than equipment and a building. It is the voice of the people. It informs, educates, entertains, and unites communities.”
The Speaker said the growth of Asaba and Delta State required more credible media platforms capable of complementing the development taking place across the state.
“Asaba is growing, Delta is growing, and we need more credible voices to complement that growth. BiG HEART RADIO 92.1 FM comes at the right time”, he said.
Rt Hon Guwor who is also the Chairman Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, commended the promoters of BiG HEART RADIO 92.1 FM for investing in the state and creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
He further emphasized the importance of the media in the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that the press remains a critical partner in communicating government policies and programmes to the people while also holding government accountable.
“Under the present administration, being led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the media remains a critical partner in telling the Delta story and holding government accountable”, Guwor stated.
The Speaker pledged the support and partnership of the Delta State House of Assembly to the new radio station.
He urged the management and staff of the station to maintain professionalism and responsibility in their reportage, stressing the need to deploy the platform towards building a peaceful and progressive society.
“I urge you to use this platform responsibly to promote unity, development, and truth”, Guwor said.
The Speaker congratulated the management, staff, and promoters of the radio outfit on the commissioning, expressing optimism that the station would make a positive impact in the state.
“May this station go on air and remain on air for the good of our people”, he added.
Speaking on the vision behind the station, Chief Tony Idigbe, SAN, said the commissioning marked the fulfilment of a long-held dream to establish a platform dedicated to educating, informing and entertaining the public.
According to him, Big Heart Radio was conceived to bridge communication gaps, stimulate meaningful conversations, encourage citizen participation and provide opportunities for people to connect and share ideas.
He commended Governor Oborevwori for creating an enabling environment for investment in Delta State and praised the Asagba of Asaba for his innovative leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of the capital city.
Idigbe also acknowledged the support of Prince Nduka Obaigbena, family members and friends who contributed to the realization of the project. He paid special tribute to his family for making available part of their ancestral land for the establishment of the station, describing the gesture as a demonstration of unity, sacrifice and collective commitment to community development.
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Obuebu, lauded the initiative, noting that modern broadcasting has evolved beyond traditional transmission systems to include digital and online platforms.
He urged the management of Big Heart Radio to focus on making a positive impact on society through quality programming that promotes culture, entrepreneurship, education and national development.
Also speaking, Mr. Richard Agu, a longtime friend and former university colleague of Tony Idigbe, described the station as an innovative venture that reflected Idigbe’s determination and commitment to excellence.
Agu recalled that Idigbe had consistently demonstrated exceptional focus and leadership qualities since their university days and expressed confidence that the station would become a leading voice in the region.
At the heart of the remarkable achievement is Dr. Mrs. Lizzy Idigbe, wife of Tony Idigbe, SAN, and President of the Association of Ibusa Professional Women (AIPROW).
Speaking with Newsbreeze Magazine, Mrs. Idigbe described the commissioning as the product of vision, dedication, perseverance and a commitment to giving back to society.
She stressed that access to information remains a powerful tool for empowerment and development, adding that the station would serve as a bridge between communities and opportunities.
Big Heart Radio 92.1 FM is designed to integrate conventional radio broadcasting with digital and social media technologies, enabling it to reach wider audiences and foster greater listener engagement across multiple platforms.
Management of the station disclosed that the blend of traditional and digital broadcasting would expand its reach while ensuring that listeners remain connected through interactive and innovative programming.
The high point of the event was the station’s first live broadcast, conducted by the Chairman of the occasion, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, officially signaling the commencement of broadcasting activities.
With its launch, Big Heart Radio 92.1 FM is expected to strengthen Delta State’s media industry, promote cultural heritage, support grassroots development and provide a vibrant platform for information dissemination, entertainment and public discourse.
The commissioning was not only a celebration of a new radio station but also a celebration of the vision, sacrifice and investment of the Idigbe family, underscoring what is possible when individuals choose to invest in projects that benefit society and inspire future generations.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who officially commissioned the media outfit, was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Government House, Dr Michael Osuoza, while the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Hon Charles Aniagwu, was represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mrs Stella Macaulay.
The commissioning marked a historic milestone as a notable son of Asaba Kingdom, Dr. Anthony Idigbe, SAN, chose to invest in the media space in the State.