Since the sudden social gathering revolution that accidentally ushered in a new brand of business known as Comedy Shows, many of the industry players’ are always sidelined by age or lack of creative ideas to remain in the business.
Thus, the industry was known for its yearly retirement of players who could not continue with churning out of jokes and they usually fade away over time and hide from the tube or public by either rushing to another profession or remaining irrelevant in the industry.
But there seems to be a wise man from the East in the industry who refused to either be retired abruptly like his peers or become irrelevant in the industry after years of reigns. He is Hon Uche Ogbuagu of Imo State.
Apart from being the only Nigerian Comedian that worked his way through the murky waters of Nigerian politics to win a seat at the Imo State House of Assembly representing Ikeduru State Constituency, only recently, he commissioned a private Radio Station called Real 99.1 FM in Aba, where he started his Comedian business.
Only last week, the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu in Aba, performed the official commissioning of Real 99.1 FM , a radio station founded by Hon. Uche Ogbuagu.
He appreciated Hon. Uche Ogbuagu for coming back to invest in Aba, where he started life and urged the station to operate in accordance with NBC regulations.
In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Elder Chibuike Nwokeukwu, SAN advised the management of Real FM to abide by the rules and regulations guiding broadcasting in Nigeria. He equally enjoined all to be serious with whatever they do for a living, saying that the owner of the station, Hon. Uche Ogbuagu has been known to be serious and committed in his entertainment business. Elder Nwokeukwu expressed hope that he would excel the more especially in opening a TV station.
In his address, the Founder, Ideal Media Independent Broadcasting Networks Ltd and owner of the station, Hon. Uche Ogbuagu commended the Governor for promoting the ‘can do spirit’ of the Aba man and his aggressive promotion of the ‘Made in Aba’ products. He assured that Real FM would publicise the programmes and activities of the Governor and government of Abia State
Hon. Ogbuagu, who informed the Governor that the only challenge of Aba people is bad road network, commended him for the ones done so far and expressed hope that the Governor would tackle the remaining road problems this dry season.
Earlier in an address on behalf of the management board, Mr. Michael Okebe said the station is poised to put Aba and Abia State on the first page of entertainment, news and sports among other programmes.
He appreciated the efforts of the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu in security, agriculture, industry, ‘made in Aba’ products among others and assured that the station would key into these visions of the Governor and ensure that the people are aware of the programmes of the government.
The Governor later unveiled a commemorative plaque and cut the tape marking the official commissioning, after which he undertook a facility tour of the station.
Analysts say the key difference between Hon Ogbuagu and other comedians is his ingenuity in setting up the business as a retirement platform than allowing himself to be retired by the industry like others that are no more heard.
Many say Uche Ogbuagu came, saw and conquered the Comedy industry having made a reasonable investment from it unlike others.