For ten years, Hit FM 95.9 Calabar has been more than a radio station.
It has been the sound of a city, a cultural catalyst, and a platform that amplifies voices, music and ideas.
As the station celebrates its milestone anniversary of February 1, 2026, We take a look at the vision and legacy that has defined this remarkable journey.
Launched a decade ago, Hit FM 95.9 entered the air waves with a bold promise: Best Music. Best Talk.
As the first privately owned radio station in Calabar, it set out to be a station people could feel and touch, one that transformed radio from a distant “blind man’s theater” to an engaged, lived experience embedded in the rhythms of everyday life.
THE VISION
The station was born from the dream of its Founder and CEO, Patrick Ugbe, who believed radio could be more than sound coming through a speaker.
He envisaged a station that connected seamlessly with its audience that shaped culture, spurred conversations, and created experiences that went beyond ordinary broadcasting.
That vision has manifested over ten years in ways that have cemented Hit FM’s place at the heart of our city’s cultural landscape.
The story of Hit FM is marked by moments that expand the station’s reach and influence beyond the dial.
BEYOND THE AIR WAVES
In 2016, Hit FM launched a Carnival Band at Carnival Calabar and also became an official media partner of Africa’s biggest street party.
Since then, Hit FM has supported the carnival’s growth and helped to broadcast its energy far beyond city limits.
In the same year, the station launched The Clean Calabar Project,
A civic initiative that rallied listeners and partners alike to promote environmental consciousness, clean-up campaigns and sustainable urban living across Calabar cleaning the popular Watt Market and other public places in the city.
In 2017, before it became a cool thing to do.
Hit FM spearheaded an ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest nonstop club party, hosting a 120-hour nonstop party in Calabar.
This move wasn’t just about setting a record, it was part of a strategy to spotlight Calabar as a global destination for music, culture and celebration.
Same year, the Calabar Entertainment Conference was birthed;
A platform that brings together creatives, media professionals, entertainers and young leaders to explore the future of entertainment, media and business in Nigeria and beyond.
This one day event has metamorphosed into a three-day festival that listeners and entertainment enthusiasts anticipate yearly.
This event has featured speakers and performers including; 2 Baba, Edi Lawani, DJ Jimmy Jatt, John Ugbe, Magnito among others.
During her first anniversary on February 1, 2017 the station launched the Baller Alert Concert;
A showcase for homegrown talent, this concert has elevated emerging artists, helping them grow from local names to household stars.
It also hosted some celebrities including; Seyi Shay, Legendary artistes Sunny Neji, Ruggedman among others.
In August same year, Tell Your Story Mind Rubbing Session, A live session of the radio program Tell Your Story, hosted by Quinesta Ekom came alive.
This session has helped hundreds, engaging youth and elders alike in conversations about mental health, resilience and community support.
In collaboration with Edi Lawani, Hit FM set up the summer tech school which later morphed into the Calabar Creative Academy with partnership from the United States of America Consul General office, Lagos.
A creative incubator where local talent trains, learns and interacts with seasoned practitioners from major creative hubs, broadening skills and expanding horizons.
Since 2017 The Station has organized University Debates and been involved in Civic Engagement through live radio debates for aspirants in the University of Calabar’s Student Union Government and beyond the station has supported democratic engagement and youth leadership.
How can we forget to mention the Easter Family Funfair;
An annual celebration that brings families together for wholesome entertainment and memorable moments during the Easter season.
Together, these events have made Hit FM an institution that reflects Calabar’s creative energy and social progress.
Hit FM’s legacy is defined not just by broadcast moments, but by community driven experiences that have enriched Calabar and empowered its people.
According to Duke Emmanuel, Head of Programs, News & Production “Hit FM has played free jingles and promotional content for event organisers across the city, strengthening the ecosystem of creativity and collaboration”
Over the years, Hit FM has welcomed major personalities from music, film, media and culture. Icons such as Don Jazzy, KCee, Tuface, Mr Eazi, Phyno, Johnny Drille, Ayra Star and international gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds among others have all been interviewed on the Station.
Entertainment figures including Kanayo O. Kanayo, Omoni Oboli, Ini Edo, Timini Egbuson, Efa Iwara, Daniel Etim Effiong, IK Osakioduwa, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Mr Macaroni among others have also shared insights, stories, and inspiration with listeners, helping shape Hit FM into a platform that resonates with both passion and depth.
THE VOICES STILL CARRYING THE SOUND
Duke Emmanuel – Host, Hit Breakfast With Duke (Weekdays 6 – 9am)
Regina Omini – Host, Late Mornings With Gina (Weekdays 10 – 12pm)
Fortune Bisong – Host, Hit Drive Time (Weekdays 2 – 4pm)
Becky Ugbe – Host, The Otwetwe Show (Weekdays 5 – 7pm)
Quinesta Ekom – Host, Tell Your Story (Saturdays 11 – 12pm)
Iwara Iwara & Ebube Bruno – Hosts, The Public View (Saturdays 8 – 9am)
Tayo Olukunbi & Emex Henshaw– Host, Hit Sports Lounge (Saturdays 3 – 6pm)
Ten years on, Hit FM 95.9 has grown far beyond a station on the dial. It is a movement, a community hub, and a powerful voice in Calabar’s cultural narrative.
With a legacy of innovation and entertainment excellence, the next decade promises more and continued commitment to the creative sector and aspirations of its listeners.
As the station moves forward, one thing is clear: Hit FM is the sound of Calabar… past, present and future.
