HOS Faaji FM Receives Premium Award
By Daniel Ekiye
‘Igbadun Igbeyawo’ Touched Several Homes, Receives Premium Award
The Head of Station (HOS) at Faaji FM, Oludare Awoluka, has received the Hightower Global Church Premium Award in recognition of his role in promoting inspirational and faith-based programming on radio.
Awoluka was honoured during the church’s Goodness Service held on March 1, 2026, where he joined other award recipients celebrated for their contributions to society.
Speaking after receiving the award, the veteran broadcaster reflected on his return to Lagos after many years in Abuja and the realities he encountered upon his arrival.
According to him, seeing people chase vehicles in traffic while holding bread in areas around Alagbado left him deeply concerned about the economic struggles many residents face.
“I have spent many years in Abuja, and when I returned to Lagos, particularly Alagbado, I saw people running after vehicles with bread in their hands in traffic. I wondered if I could endure such a life again,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Awoluka noted that his commitment to his employer, DAAR Communications Plc, meant he was ready to serve wherever he was posted.
He also narrated how his relationship with Global Prophet Olawale Ikotun began, revealing that both men share similar roots.
“When I met Daddy, I did not know he was from Ilesha, which is also my ancestral home. Interestingly, he was born in Kano, and I was also born in Kano,” he said.
Awoluka explained that when he assumed office as Director of Programmes at Faaji FM, he discovered that the station had no provision for religious programming.
Questioning the policy, he insisted there was no law preventing such broadcasts and decided to open the platform to faith-based content.
According to him, Hightower Global Church became the first Christian ministry to air a programme on the station.
Initially, he encouraged Prophet Ikotun to start a motivational programme, but the cleric suggested that his wife would handle it instead.
The programme, titled “Igbadun Igbeyawo,” soon gained wide attention among listeners.
Awoluka said the show resonated with many families because it addressed issues surrounding marriage and relationships.
“One observation I have made in Lagos is that some men send their wives out of the house after they have given birth to several children, sometimes taking their belongings and leaving them stranded,” he said.
Seeking a voice that could speak meaningfully on marriage, he decided to broadcast the programme after listening to its recorded material overnight.
The decision proved successful, as the show quickly generated strong audience reactions.
“While the programme was on air, I received several calls from listeners asking where we found the woman speaking on the programme,” he recalled.
Awoluka also recounted a moment when the programme host called him to report the overwhelming response from listeners.
“She told me the programme was generating massive interest and that their phone kept ringing with calls from listeners,” he said.
He added that despite internal opposition from some colleagues who questioned the decision to allow a Christian programme on the station, he stood by his choice.
“As I speak to you now, there are people in my office opposing me because of that programme, but I have made them understand that I serve a living God,” he said.
Awoluka also paid tribute to the late founder of DAAR Communications, Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, describing him as a mentor and inspiration.
According to him, the late media mogul often addressed him with the nickname “Bebe n lo,” a name that became widely associated with him over the years.
He further disclosed that a notable figure within the media network had accused both him and Prophet Olawale Ikotun of wrongdoing for permitting the Christian programme to air on Faaji FM.
Despite the criticism, Awoluka maintained that the programme has positively impacted many homes and remains one of the initiatives he is proud to have supported.
