It was a night of cheers and goodwill messages galore as history was made at the Holiday Inn, Mayfair, on Friday night, when WFM 91.7, Nigeria’s first radio station “dedicated for women and their families,” was launched by former Ray Power radio and Choice FM presenter, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya.

Witnessed by representatives of women’s groups and activists, including a handful of men, the station will broadcast round the clock, beginning with its test transmission on October 1, Sonaiya disclosed to the enthusiastic audience at the first floor venue of the historic occasion .

The brainchild of St Ives Communications, WFM , though dedicated to women and their families , but “it’s a more encompassing station and will not alienate anyone,” Sonaiya , noted during the questions-and-answers session. Prior to unveiling the name, she told guests that the board chose the name after carefully collating suggestions and comments from different parts of the world, via social media and email. Suggestions of names, she revealed further, came from women from various countries including the United States, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Ghana, Albania, China and Belgium, among others.

Licensed to broadcast only in two states – Lagos and Ogun- she reiterated the station’s commitment to cater for men and the entire family as well, by “engaging on issues of local, national and international importance for all.”
In a press release issued afterwards , Sonaiya said WFM “will operate 24 hours of talk and less music,” by “addressing everyday issues for women and their families.”
These, she emphasised during the interactive session, will include relationships, parenting and even giving opportunities for the development of women in rural areas.
The statement noted further that the new station “will be a reliable, leading and trusted source for all related news, information and matters of interests for women and their families .”

Speaking before Sonaiya unveiled the name, Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq of the Nigerian High Commission , commended St Ives Communications for the initiative and applauded the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation for granting the station the historic license. St Ives Communications chairman, Dr Babatunde Okewale – represented by his daughter, Dr Oladunni Okewale – in his vote of thanks, assured the audience of a qualitative and positive broadcasting when the station takes off with its test transmission on October 1.

Asked during the interactive session if there would be any opportunities for Nigerian women in the diaspora to be part of it, Sonaiya gave them the assurance that they surely have a role, including through programming and contribution of ideas.
In attendance were the president of the Nigerian Women in the Diaspora Leadership Forum, NWDLF , Jenny Okafor and former Enfield Mayor, Councillor Kate Anolue and women of other African countries and the Caribbean.