Politics Herald

50 Golden Cheers to the Hit FM Boss, Patrick Ugbe as he turns 50 today

The CEO of Hit FM, Calabar's premier private radio station, Mr. Patrick Ugbe is 50 today.

Born April 21, 1966 in Enugu, this mercurial broadcaster and seasoned professional, has within 50 years notched up a lot of accomplishments.

Ugbe, a seasoned broadcaster with over 27 years cognate experience in various dimensions of electronic journalism, has initiated, produced and presented several programmes that have been critical to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

Urbane, articulate, disciplined and driven by hardwork and excellence, Patrick was born on April 21, 1966. He had his primary education at Holy Child Convent School, Ogoja, and Primary School, Akim Qua Town, Calabar. After his secondary education at Hope Waddle Training Institution and St. Patrick’s College, Calabar, he proceeded to the University of Calabar, where he acquired a Bachelor of Arts, (Hons) degree in Theatre Arts in 1987.

After his graduation, Patrick quickly cut his teeth in the core elements of television programming and presentation while on National Service (NYSC) at the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA 2 Channel 5, Lagos in 1988. Twenty Eight years later, through dint of hardwork and creativity, he has become a professional to be reckoned with in the broadcast industry and the media in general. In carving a niche in the media, he has drawn deeply from professional training he had at NTA’s Television College, Jos, Communications Group Inc. Richmond Virginia, USA, and the Lagos Business School.

Patrick was appointed Chief Press Secretary and Special Assistant, Media to the Governor of Cross River State in 2007. Putting the interest of the state first, he resigned as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of DBS Media ( a TV Production/Service Company he co-founded) to offer his services and experience to the government and people of Cross River State. As CPS/SA Media, Patrick was driving the media relations and Corporate Communication of the Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, and the government of Cross River State using multi-media platforms. During this period, he helped consolidate the branding of the state as a destination, positioning the government strategically in terms of responsible governance and benchmark service delivery.

Again due to his hardwork and performance, he was elevated to the position of Commissioner for Information and Orientation in December 2010, a position he held creditably, breathing new life into the affairs of the Ministry. In March 2012, he was re-appointed and assigned to the Ministry of Youth & Sports Development after the re-election of Governor Imoke. He virtually transformed that sector, making Cross River State not just a force to be reckoned with in sports, but a destination for sporting excellence.

In his quest to serve in higher capacity, Patrick voluntarily resigned in October 2014, to declare his aspiration for the office of Governor of Cross River State. He saw through this aspiration with decorum and the believe that power comes from God, and whoever God places the mantle of leadership of the state on, should get the support of all.

He was re-appointed as Commissioner, Youth & Sports Development in March, 2015, a position he held until the successful hand-over to a new administration on May 29, 2015.

After completing his tour of duty, Patrick returned to his first love, this time by pioneering private broadcast in Cross River State. He launched the first private radio station “HIT FM”, which has revolutionized radio broadcast in Cross River.

A man of integrity and purpose, Patrick has won many awards in broadcasting and political career. He is married with three lovely daughters. Widely travelled, his hobbies include reading, sports, travelling and meeting people.

He has won several Awards and Honours such as the Julie Coker Award for Best Presentation on Nigerian TV, 1990; Producer of Best Entertainment Programme, “HITS” on TV, 1993; Best TV Commentator for the “Pepsi Pro-League for MBI Sports Desk”, May 1999, and overall for the year 1999.

His motto is "live and let's live"