Otuaro, Guwor, Izoukumor, Amgbaduba, Thomas, Okpoye, others grace Waffitv official unveiling in Delta

By Peters Monday, Abuja

Immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Barr. Kingsley Burutu OTUARO, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker, Delta State house of Assembly, the Member representing Warri federal Constituency in the federal house of representatives, Chief Hon. Eriyotomi Thomas, immediate past commissioner of oil and gas Delta State, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, Chief Favour Izoukumor, Executive Director, Social Services, DESOPADEC, Hon. Spencer Okubo Okpoye, Commissioner Representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality in the board of DESOPADEC, former chairman, Warri North local government, Hon. Aduge Okorodudu, among others graced the historical unveiling of Waffi TV in Warri, Delta State on the 9th November, 2023.

Speaking at the event which was televised live at the Waffitv channel, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, the Managing Director/CEO of Waffi TV, delivered a compelling address at the ceremony in Manuex Place, Effurun, Delta State.

In his address, Pastor Arex took the audience on a journey back to the origins of Waffi TV, tracing its roots to the KEKE (Tricycle) Race in Effurun-Delta in January 2017. “The event attracted a large audience, and while it was largely successful with massive physical participation, there was an obvious gap: the lack of a formidable promotion through media, especially online. It was out of this post-event review and feedback process that Waffi TV was birthed.”

Congress gathered that the television station was Initially named Finarex Digital TV, adding that the channel underwent a strategic transformation to become Waffi TV, aligning more closely with its vision.

The CEO highlighted the channel’s evolution, from online platforms like Facebook and YouTube to the introduction of the Waffi TV mobile app and website, www.waffitv.com.

“Nevertheless, with our continued drive for innovation and dedication to enabling our growing consumers to accurately and conveniently keep track of all daily happenings within and outside Delta State, we launched the Waffi TV mobile app and later the website www.waffitv.com to further establish our digital footprint.”

The statement reads, “Despite facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including staff retrenchment and financial strains, Waffi TV persevered. Waffi TV was credited to be one of the news platforms that contributed invaluably in terms of providing credible information to the public and raising their awareness about the virus with ready-to-act tips and relevant government information during this period. We supported, promoted public health and safety and protected homes/families.”

Pastor Arex expressed gratitude to individuals who played pivotal roles in sustaining Waffi TV during challenging times. “One thing that kept us going during these trying moments is the Waffi spirit, ‘Warri nor dey carry last’ (Warri never comes last), and with a strong belief that we will thrive once more.”

The Member representing Warri federal Constituency in the federal house of representatives, Chief Hon. Eriyotomi Thomas, the former chairman, Warri North local government, Hon. Aduge Okorodudu, was greatly appreciated by the founder of Waffi Tv for the prompt financial assistance in re-entering Satellite. The former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, was recognized for his generous financial contributions that played a vital role in keeping Waffi TV afloat. “The surprise and generous financial contributions of my immediate boss and principal, the Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Barr. Kingsley Burutu OTUARO, fspsp, were also instrumental in keeping us afloat within these times.”

As Pastor Arex reflected on Waffi TV’s nearly seven-year journey, he thanked God, his pastor Apst. Friday Edisemi, and everyone who stood with the channel. “As we look back on our journey of almost seven years, from the inception of Waffi TV to the present, I want to express my profound gratitude to God Almighty, my pastor, Apst. Friday Edisemi, senior pastor of praise liberate church, and everyone that has stood with us.”

“Acknowledging partners, viewers, readers, and customers, Pastor Arex emphasized their central role in Waffi TV’s vision to become the leading digital news network in the Niger Delta. He outlined ambitious plans for the future, including expanding reach through improved digital infrastructure and increased accessibility.”

“I want to reinforce that you are central to our vision of becoming the first and largest digital news network in the Niger Delta by constantly altering the narrative for telling the Niger Delta story through accurate, high-quality, and timely reportage and entertainment. Thank you for bringing us closer to the future we imagined.”

In his closing remarks, Pastor Arex expressed appreciation for individuals like Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker, Delta State house of Assembly Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, Chief Frank Omare, Director General, special duties government house, Chief Favour Izoukumor, Executive Director, Social Services, DESOPADEC Hon. Spencer Okubo Okpoye, Commissioner Representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality on the board of DESOPADEC, Chief Sylvester Oromoni, Special advicer to the governor of Delta state, Hon. George Ekpomupolo, and others who consistently supported Waffi TV. “At this juncture, I invite us to reminisce on the words of the renowned American storyteller and clergyman, Edward Everett Hale: ‘Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.’ This quote is the summary of the Waffi TV story.”

Quoting Edward Everett Hale, Pastor Arex highlighted the importance of unity, collaboration, and progress. “Thank you, and God bless you all for coming as we commit to building an incredible future and the original global Waffi brand together.”

The unveiling ceremony marked not only a celebration of achievements but also a commitment to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for Waffi TV. “As we look forward to celebrating a decade of excellence of this amazing news and entertainment hub, Waffi TV, I am excited about the future. Our plans are ambitious as the path we seek. We want to amplify/expand our reach by improving our digital infrastructure, making Waffi TV accessible and more user-friendly through satellite such as StarTimes, DSTV, Waffi TV App (Android & Apple), web, etc. We want to do MORE in promoting businesses and supporting talents in Warri, Effurun, Udu and its environs.”

“The future of Waffi TV holds exciting possibilities, and we are ready to leverage on the partnership, experience, and counsel and also embrace the challenges, learn along the way as we make progress.”