Veteran Broadcaster Unveils Memoir In Abuja

The West African Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) has reiterated the need for deeper documentation of Nigeria’s institutional memory, as veteran broadcaster Mr. Mike Yawe formally unveiled his memoir, Beyond the Airwaves- Memoirs of a Commentator, in Abuja at the weekend.

Speaking at the event, rector of WABMA, Dr Ken Ike Okere, said Nigeria’s development depends in part on how well stories, experiences and national moments are preserved. He urged journalists, public servants and media institutions to prioritise proper archiving, noting that documented history remained the strongest bridge between the past and the future.

The 290-page memoir chronicles Mr. Yawe’s long career in broadcasting and public service, weaving together personal experiences, ethical reflections and key political moments that shaped Nigeria’s media landscape.

Reviewing the book, sociologist and media analyst Dr. Steve Okwori, said the work serves as “a moral compass” for practitioners, adding that Mr. Yawe’s narrative reinforces the values of integrity, discipline and professionalism needed in the industry.

Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Muhammad Bulama, represented by the director of programmes, Mrs. Msurshima Kighir, described the memoir as a national resource that mirrors the emotions, aspirations and struggles that shaped Nigeria’s broadcasting history.

An elated Mr. Yawe said he wrote the memoir to preserve his professional journey and provide a credible reference point for younger journalists.

“I wanted a record of the things I did in active service and what I continue to do,” he said, expressing gratitude to colleagues, friends and family who supported the project.

Also speaking, the chairperson of the event and director of legal services at the National Health Insurance Authority, Mrs. Blessing Inienge, described the publication as a “timeless national asset” and encouraged scholars and policymakers to engage with its insights.

The event drew media professionals, academics and admirers who said Mr. Yawe’s work offers both historical value and a reminder of the enduring role of broadcasting in shaping national identity.