Ondo Eki Chat Show Marks 10 Years of Language, Culture and Community Impact

Ondo Eki Chat Show Marks 10 Years of Language, Culture and Community Impact by Princess Fadejogun Ade-Ayoola CEO Ondo Eki Chat Show worldwide. On 6th October 2016, at exactly 5:00 p.m., a new chapter in Ondo-language broadcasting began when the Ondo Eki Chat Show went on air for the first time. What started as a simple programme with limited resources has, over the past decade, grown into a platform celebrating the Ondo language, culture, identity, stories and people across the world.

How It All Started : On that historic evening in 2016, I sat down in the studio with one clear determination: to begin with whatever knowledge and resources I had. By then, word about the programme had already spread, and people were waiting to see what it would become. I used my personal Facebook account, which I had opened around 2007, to connect with the audience. My son was with me that day and reminded me about the account.As soon as I logged in, the reactions began pouring in. The response was overwhelming. People called, sent messages and expressed their excitement. Many said the programme would give them an opportunity to reconnect with home, their language and their roots.The topic on that first edition was simply an introduction to the new show. But the volume of feedback quickly made something clear: this was no longer just an idea or a dream. It had become a responsibility and a real job.That was how Ondo Eki Chat Show was born. From One Programme to a Global Community. From the following week, I developed a routine. Whenever I was scheduled to be in the studio, preparation began as early as Monday. I wanted every programme to be meaningful, engaging and worthy of the audience that had begun to trust us.As the years passed, the show grew beyond the walls of the studio.One of the most memorable aspects of the journey was learning directly from our listeners. At one point, a listener corrected my pronunciation of local names. I remember mistakenly pronouncing the name of a past Kabiyesi because I had grown up more familiar with English and was born in London. Many Ondo names, expressions and pronunciations did not initially come naturally to me. But rather than becoming discouraged, I embraced the corrections. Our listeners became part of the learning process, patiently guiding and encouraging me.In many ways, the audience became our teachers, partners and co-creators. Connecting Ondo People Across the Diaspora. One of the greatest achievements of Ondo Eki Chat Show has been its ability to connect Ondo people living outside their homeland. Listeners from different parts of the world began joining the programme week after week. For many of them, hearing their own language on a regular platform brought a sense of belonging and nostalgia.It was more than radio.It became a bridge between home and the diaspora. For Ondo people living far away from home, the programme provided something they could look forward to—a place where they could hear their language, discuss issues affecting their community, celebrate their culture and reconnect with their heritage. Inspiring Other Platforms. As Ondo Eki Chat Show continued to grow, some people who became connected with the programme also discovered their own interests and creative directions .Some wanted to entertain audiences through music, while others developed programmes around different areas of interest. From these developments came initiatives such as Wellness Wednesday, Eku Isinmi Extra and several other platforms.Many of these initiatives continue to thrive today.The journey demonstrated that when people are given a platform, they can discover their voices and create something meaningful of their own.

Ten Years of Growth : Today, what began as a single chat programme has developed into a wider media and community platform with different arms, including:OECS Online TV & Radio Ondo Language Online Ondo Eki Chat Show Concert Ondo Eki Chat Show Foundation , These platforms represent a continuing commitment to promoting the Ondo language, culture, people, stories and community development. A Decade of Voices, Stories and Impact.

As Ondo Eki Chat Show celebrates its 10th anniversary, the journey is not simply about looking back. It is also about appreciating everyone who has contributed to the story.To the listeners who tuned in from the very beginning, those who corrected us, encouraged us, shared our programmes, appeared as guests and helped spread the word across the world—thank you.To the Ondo people in the diaspora who found a piece of home through the programme, your support has been a major part of this journey.And to everyone who has believed in the vision, this anniversary belongs to you too.Ten years ago, we started with a chair in a studio, a Facebook account and the courage to begin. Today, we stand on a much bigger platform.Ondo Eki Chat Show is 10.Ten years of voices. Stories. Culture. Community.And the journey continues.

About the Founder : Princess Fadejogun Ade-Ayoola is the CEO of Ondo Eki Chat Show Worldwide, the platform behind the Ondo Eki Chat Show and its associated media and community initiatives. Her vision has been to use media to promote the Ondo language and culture, connect Ondo people across the globe, create opportunities for community expression and preserve stories for future generations. From one conversation to a decade of impact—the Ondo story continues.