By Onyeka Ezike
Cre8tive 9ja, a culture and tourism programme aired on Mainland 98.3FM, has been named Best independent radio Programme 2025, marking a significant milestone for the show, which has won the same award back-to-back in the past two years.
The award was presented by the Station Manager, Mr. Saheed Fuhad, recently at the premises of Mainland 98.3FM in Anthony, Maryland, Lagos, during an end-of-year celebration that brought together staff, guests, and listeners of the station. The event featured music, reflection, and a warm atmosphere befitting the close of a successful broadcast year.
Cre8tive 9ja was recognised for its consistent promotion of Nigerian tourism, culture and creative economy, as well as its engaging program outlay, and the arsenal of high-profile guests and strong connection with listeners. The programme has become a standout feature on the station’s lineup, earning praise for spotlighting local creativity and tourism-centric economy through radio.
The award underscores Mainland 98.3FM’s commitment to quality programming and reinforces Cre8tive 9ja’s position as a leading voice in cultural tourism broadcasting.
Cre8tive, 9ja is the brainchild of Veteran Journalist, Frank Meke, who also doubles as the CEO, anchored by Bunmi Bade Adeniji, a seasoned On-Air Personality, with some back-room staff like Rasaq, the Program producer, Onyeka Ezike, the program Director, Joshua Olufowobi, the Digital director, Emmanuel Gbadeyan, the program photographer, and other crew members.
The program features creative segments like Nigeria Soup and Swallows that highlight Nigeria’s rich cuisine, Green Nigeria, dedicated to the Green Biosphere, Inside Lagos, showcasing areas in Lagos with rich cultural and tourism heritages, Copyright Nuggets handled by a Legal expert, teaching the audience how to protect their creative rights in a digitalised era. Also among the program segments is Nigeria Business Experience, anchored by a seasoned Journalist. Law and travel with Barrister Bolu Agbaje.
The program also features tech-start-up anchored by Cornelius Ugwunwa an expert in the tech field, the Swallow and soup segment handled by a professional, chef shine, Creative economy presented by Dr. Lizzy Ben Iheanacho, a lecturer from the University of Abuja, Movies on Radio presented by Julie Moss, a movie expert, and supported by Nigerian movies, films and videos Censors Board, and, weather report, presented by Oluebube Sharon James.
The program has featured important personalities like the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr. Yinka Folami, Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Chief Obi Asika, Dr Shaibu Husseini, of Nigerian Movies and Video Censors Board, Nkereweum Onung, immediate past president of FTAN and founder, Experience IBOM, and NATOP President. Mrs Bolaji Mustapha.
Mrs Susan Akporiaye, immediate past president of NANTA, Dr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun, the National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the Blue Economy, and many frontline industry influencers, including top-flight aviation, maritime and tourism journalists.
Speaking during the Award, the CEO of Cre8tive 9ja, Frank Meke, appreciated the Radio Station for the award, emphasising his commitment toward educating Nigerians on frostbite tourism issues, stressing the huge potential of cultural tourism opportunities to the economy.
In her speech, the lead anchor of the program, Bunmi Bade Adeniji, said, “This is the doing of the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes! We do not rest on our oars: we work even harder next year with God on our side. Congratulations, Sir, and indeed the rest of this amazing Cre8ive 9ja family,” she said.
The producer of the program dedicated the award to the team for the hard work and contribution towards a tourism-driven economy. Cre8tive 9ja, is a weekly program aired every Thursday from 10-11 am on Mainland 98.3FM. The Program is sponsored by Anchor Insurance, as the lead sponsor among others.
