Patrick Ogar, the Veteran Broadcaster who clocked 70 recently.
By Eddy Ekpenyong
The harmattan was tightening its bite on Calabar, as it often did at the year’s end. On a November morning in 1977, Senior Secondary School students from across Cross River State gathered at the historic Hope Waddel Training Institute for the finals of the ultimate radio quiz programme of the time—Schools Challenge.
My school, Itam Secondary, emerged as the divisional champions from Itu and earned a place in the finals. Though I wasn’t part of the official three-man team, I secured an exeat permit for a self-sponsored trip to Calabar, eager to witness the contest and perhaps win a prize by answering questions thrown to the audience. More than anything, I longed to hear my voice on the radio: “I am Eddy Ekpenyong, from Itam Secondary School. The answer is…” (Applause).
As I approached the Assembly Hall in my immaculate white-on-white uniform and Cortina sandals, my eyes caught the Outside Broadcast Van of Cross River Radio. The technical crew was busy setting up, but one figure stood out—a striking young man whose Afro carried the flair of the Jackson Five, whose gold-trimmed stiletto shoes gleamed, and whose goatee hinted at a proposed site for a beard. He leaned casually against a tree, checking his wristwatch and waiting.
With my knowledge of older guys in the profession ( Monday Idiong, Sam Ibok, Dave Iyam, Martins Edu and Edwin Ejah) I was convinced he was a broadcaster, steeped in showbiz. Yet he seemed shy, avoiding eye contact with the crowd. When the producer Aloysius Ekanem and quiz master Louise Barnaby Ephraim arrived, the mystery man was introduced: Patrick Ogar, Scorer and Timekeeper.
That was my first sight of the man who would later be known as The Godfather. From that day, he grew into one of Nigeria’s most versatile broadcasters—General Manager of Cross River Broadcasting Corporation, Commissioner for Information, Adviser to the Governor, and above all, a cultural icon.
After the contest, I returned to school clutching my first-ever prize, The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy, won by answering a question from the audience. My interest in broadcasting soared. And when Patrick Ogar, alongside Monday Idiong, Eno Young, Mike Etim, and others, launched the youth magazine programme Youth Connection, the spark became a flame.
The show opened with King Curtis’ Get Ready:
“The boogie is on and you’ve got the raps right on time… Y-Connection is on outing… Join the gang and rediscover the excitement in your world…
With his pleasant voice, impeccable taste in music, and flair for presentation, Patrick Ogar made Youth Connection the heartbeat of young listeners. If a fresh disco or funk track hit the airwaves, chances were it was introduced by him—with panache. His mastery of vocal expression and imaginative programming made the show one of the most popular in Nigeria.
But Ogar was more than music. As a compere, he wielded words like poetry. As a producer, he was a virtuoso—his 1981 documentary on Bob Marley, released just a week after the reggae legend’s death, was cutting-edge. Fame followed, but humility remained. From Obudu to Eastern Obolo, his name was on every lip. Fan clubs sprang up in universities. Parties were judged not by their expense, but by whether Patrick Ogar attended.
Despite superstardom, he stayed grounded—genial, affable, and engaging. Among colleagues, he was admired not only for his talent but for his warmth.
Years later, when Radio Nigeria Calabar was established in 1983, Ogar was poached from Cross River Radio. His departure left a void. By then, I was hosting Music Rendezvous as a guest presenter, quietly understudying him and other greats. When the mantle of Youth Connection needed a successor, Ubong Nda entrusted me with the role—backed by a strong recommendation from Ogar himself. I nearly stumbled at first, but with perseverance, I became the longest-serving presenter of the programme (1983–1989).
Even now, nostalgia bridges the years. I still hear his voice on Saturday Night, Top of the Pops, and Band Stand, introducing acts like the Saffo Brothers, Gloria Hart, and Geraldo Pino. Beyond broadcasting, Patrick Ogar has been a motivator, a servant of his people, and a vessel of God—ordained as an Elder in Winner’s Chapel.
As he celebrates his 70th birthday, today, we salute The Godfather: a legend of radio, a mentor to many, and a man whose voice defined an era.
Happy birthday, sir. May the years ahead be long and rewarding!
