Ben Okotie-Eboh

By Omon-Julius Onabu

Ben Okotie-Eboh is the Chief Executive of Crown FM Warri, Delta State. He is one of the children of late Festus Okotie-Eboh, that have so far resisted the perceived strong allure of partisan politics. Although, no doubt born with a silver spoon and an unmistakable thorough-bred, he is often adorned in garments of humility and modesty. As it were, it has almost become the norm for the offspring of influential politicians and public office holders in Nigeria and across the globe to step into their parents’ shoes. However, Ben was unperturbed but had his focus firmly fixed on a life-time ambition: to take the nation by storm via the radio. Today, that dream has become a reality. Ben Okotie-Eboh presides over the most popular and cute radio station currently broadcasting from the oil-rich city of Warri on the frequency modulation band known as Crown FM. In less than two years, Crown FM has not only become the toast of the people of Warri and adjoining areas but indeed a household name in Delta and some neighboring states.  Why has he not succumbed to the temptation of going into active politics, especially considering his late father’s political pedigree that was highlighted by his position as the country’s trade and finance minister for several years? Or has he not been tempted to see politics as the shortest path to affluence, influence or fame? Ben replied, “well, there are people whose route to success is via the political arena; but again it comes down to the issue of purpose. Why are you here, why were you born into the world? I was created for radio. That’s my calling; that’s my assignment, that’s pretty much what I’m about in all the actions that I have undertaken so far. I don’t believe the only way to succeed is to go into politics. The way to success is doing exactly what you have been created to do. I would like to give an example with the air plane – because I’m very much into aviation. There is nothing more majestic than watching an airplane taking off or landing; but if you try to use it for something else, other than for flight, it won’t work.

“So, for me, the politicians succeed in politics because that is their assignment. If they are called to be in politics and they go into politics they’ll succeed. I was called to radio, that’s what I’m created to do and have a deep passion and craving for; and whatever success I can claim is because I’m fulfilling the purpose why I’m here on earth. That’s where I draw my strength.
  “Well, if there is a future for me in politics, if God has designed it for me to be in politics, He hasn’t shown it to me yet.”