Before now, the state-owned OSRC dominated the airwaves, while the FG-owned Positive FM, queued closely behind it. Those days you'll agree with me used to be fun for those ages, for that period and for that 'generation'.
The arrival of AdabaFM and FUTA FM, no doubt brought a new lease and a different dimension into the business of radio broadcasting, AdabaFM immediately took the lead with their programmes and the best On-Air Personalities (OAPs) you can find around this part of the country.
But little did we suspect that the tide will never last for a long time, AdabaFM never enjoyed the kind of long dominance OSRC enjoyed. Unprofessional practices gaged the zeal and passion of those young professionals, ownership influence is also guilty in this case, it was one of the factors which led to the dwindling fortune of AdabaFM, and the last straw that broke the Camel's back and almost sent AdabaFM out of business, was the arrival of Orange 94.5FM
OrangeFM came at a time the people of the state were tired of being fed with falsehoods and unprofessional practices from their 'favorite' radio station, the station which came in an angel's apparel to win the heart of the people.
The foray of OrangeFM into Ondo state broadcast industry changed the story from what it used to be, though a state-owned radio station like OSRC, OrangeFM in the last 365-days has disappointed some of us who are of the opinion that state-owned media houses are propaganda machines of the government. It has proved beyond reasonable doubt that, a government-owned media can say the truth not just occasionally, but at all times.
With its pool of professionals and experienced 21st century journalists, there is no gain saying the fact that OrangeFM Akure, has revolutionalized radio broadcasting in Ondo state, blending dynamism with professionalism and 21st Century experience to inform, educate and entertain.
Last thursday, the station whose arrival is almost sending some of its older colleagues out of business and has set some on their toes, was officially inaugurated by the state Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko to commemorate its first anniversary.
The million dollar questions still begging for answers are; will this tide and hype last? Can OrangeFM hold on to the standard it started with and lift the bar higher? Will the zeal surely last, or will it also grow past its best like others?
Ondotv brings you some of the 'engineers' behind the vision, the 'visioneers' with clout who have been making things happen at OrangeFM in the last 365-days of broadcasting.
Tokunbo Jegede
 You might not be familiar with the name on OrangeFM and for those who are familiar with it, there's obviously one exceptional thing you don't know about this man, popularly called Toks. The fact that he graduated from the prestigious University of Lagos is no news, the fact that he has an MBA in Business Administration and Management won't even make the headline, the fact that he's the pioneer District Governor and President of Lion Club District 404A-1 was in the news and therefore, not new.
Tokunbo Jegede is the pioneer General Manager and CEO of Orange 94.5FM Akure.
Toks' foray into the media profession started in 1982 when he joined the service of the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC).
Tokunbo is the vision his team engineers. He's eternally democratic and operates an open-door policy. He has ensured that his staff have a 24-hour access to him via phone-calls, text-messaging, email, BBM and the likes. He welcomes fresh ideas and criticisms from anyone.
No organisation can prosper without a good manager of human and material resources, this tells you all about the success story of OrangeFM one year on. Tokunbo is an effective manager and a responsible public servant.
Sweet Steve
Born Stephen Oluwafemi Sotonwa, Steve is a producer, presenter, DJ, compere and stand-up comedian.
This wacky dude will hold you to ransom every afternoon of the day with his signatory tune and radio slangs such as "don't duuuuuuuul" "Thaaaank the Lord " which have become colloquial in Ondo State and some parts of the Southwest.
He is the midday voice at Orange FM, hosting one of the most popular afternoon shows in Ondo state, OrangeCafe, a phone-in programme which has been rated as the most listened to in the state.
He's made star appearances on various entertainment shows including the top rated GLO LAFTA FEST.
Don't be deceived by his look, this cheese called Sweet Steve has been in the business for over 11 years.
Offline and online, Steve has thousands of fans. He tweets @sweeteststeve and just mention him for a follow-back, he doesn't hesitate.
Sweet Steve holds Bsc in psychology from the University of Ado Ekiti (UNAD) now Ekiti State University.
Shola Ilesanmi
This name is not strange to many in Ondo State. Shola Ilesanmi has been around for as long as our memory can capture. It won't be out of place to say this young man was born into journalism.
Shola started his voyage into journalism in 2005 as a cub reporter and mass communication student of the prestigious Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko.
He has written many intriguing and expository pieces for quite a few national newspapers including The Guardian, National Mirror and Campus Life of The Nation Newspapers.
During his days at OSRC, Shola was a force to reckon with, he's perhaps the first freelance journalist to hold the exalted position of the station's Government House Correspondent and over the last one year, he has brought the same vigor into news reportage at Orange FM.
Shola Ilesanmi is a rounded radio and Tv personality, seasoned documentary maker, and skilled researcher, with exceptional organizational skills.
You will know him when he signs off on a report
Shola Ilesanmi…….OrangeFm Newzzzzzzzzz!
Flora Iweanya
Pinkdoll, as she is now being called, began her career as an intern at OSRC and was able to earn her way to become one of the station's most regular voices.
Since hitting the airwaves, Flora has been spinning blue tunes to the Orange FM Jazz fans on "Jazz Plus" every Sunday evening.
She hosts "the link" – a lifestyle show where she satisfies the most dedicated fashion and culture aficionados, while inspiring newcomers of all ages.
Flora holds a BA in mass communication from Anambra State University Uli
Adeolu Gboyega
'Deolu popularly called "Ebony Presenter" is one out of a million OAPs who presents in both English and Yoruba effortlessly. With about four shows per week, you will agree with me that this dude is a genius!
His program, L'AGBALA ODU airs every Tuesday at 11am and over the past year, it has become the toast of many in Ondo State and beyond. Though, he looks young, handsome and charming, deolu has experience in broadcast media spanning over 13 years.
Call him the biggest boy on radio, you are not wrong outright. His magnificent voice will quietly put you to sleep on a tension soaked day with "LIGHTS OUT".
He's host of two other shows; BREAKFAST BOUQUET and WEEKEND FLAVOUR.
'Deolu holds Bsc Computer Science and Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
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