Modibbo Kawu
Oh, dear. We have lost Kola Atolagbe, gentleman, broadcaster, and consummate professional.
Mister Kola Atolagbe joined the staff at Radio Nigeria, Ilorin, and resumed the same week with the late Kola Shomoye. That was in 1977. I recall that the two gentlemen were introduced to the gathering at the monthly programmes department meeting by our head of programmes, Mr. Kola Olota. It stuck with me, that Kola Olota described the department as one of “three Kolas” on that occasion.
Each one of them eventually burned a unique imprimatur on broadcasting in our state as we transitioned from Radio Nigeria to Radio Kwara, with the reorganisation of broadcasting and the setting up of state stations in 1978. Kola Olota, eventually as the Director of Programmes; Kola Shomoye created the Presentation Unit and training generations of announcers, he set the very high standards that Radio Kwara presentation had for a very long time; while Kola Atolagbe was an exemplary producer who dedicated himself to the creation and nurturing of several programmes: radio drama, schools’ debates (schools’ challenge), and that truly creative programme for children, ALO!
He was a very dedicated professional who enjoyed the work that he did and he made a mark. I think one of the downsides of politics was the manner that professionals were often yanked off their beats by new political masters without consideration for the values that society loses with such decisions.
When civil rule came in 1999, Kola Atolagbe and several others were taken out of the broadcasting firmament into positions that were akin to an exile from the work that they loved. He eventually retired into obscurity and many younger people who have some connections to what passes for broadcasting today, often unprofessional, most times quite pedantic, might not have even heard of the work done by the likes of Kola Atolagbe. But he was a genuine titan of our professional and he gave his all to broadcasting in Kwara State, in particular, and Nigeria in general.
Our hearts and prayers go out to his family who nurtured him through the difficulties of the past few years, and to his friends and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace.
Dr. Modibbo Kawu, FNGE.
