WASH 94.9 FM: Nigeria’s Pioneering Health Radio Marks One Year of Empowering Wellness

Nigeria’s first health-centric radio station, WASH 94.9 FM, Lagos, today marks its first anniversary as a groundbreaking platform dedicated to advancing public health awareness and literacy in Nigeria. Launched a year ago under the auspices of the Phlox Health WASH Foundation, the station quickly established itself as an influential voice in health communication, blending education with entertainment to engage millions of listeners in Lagos and beyond.

Inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4, focusing on good health and quality education, WASH FM has positioned itself as a pivotal media outlet providing reliable, accessible health information. Named after Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), the station promotes total wellness — encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual health.

The vision led by Engr. Friday Aizeboje, CEO, whose motto “Fun Health Radio” captures the station’s distinctive approach, has been to make health discussions informative yet entertaining. By dedicating 70% of its programming to health and the remaining 30% to music and leisure, WASH FM ensures a balanced listener experience that sustains audience interest while delivering impactful content.

Unique to the station is its innovative On-Air Telemedicine Service, which links listeners directly with qualified health professionals for remote medical consultations. This initiative encourages personal responsibility for health and broadens access to expert advice beyond traditional clinical settings.

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WASH FM’s flagship shows, including “Talk to a Doctor,” “Nurse Hour,” “Medtalk,” “Financial & Economic Wellness,” and “Speak Up,” have become trusted sources where medical experts like Dr. Yomi Osunkoya, Dr. Olatunji Idowu, Dr. Oluyomi Okunola, and others share critical insights on common and chronic health conditions.

The station also plays a vital role in community health initiatives. Together with partners like The American Hospital, Lakeshore Cancer Center, and the Medical Women Association of Lagos, WASH FM has organized breast cancer screenings benefiting over 800 women. The station’s collaboration with Maden and Naza Agape Foundations fostered menstrual hygiene awareness by distributing sanitary products in Lagos schools. Additionally, hepatitis vaccination campaigns and free medical outreaches, including a significant event in Badagry reaching over 500 beneficiaries, underscore its commitment to health equity.

By broadcasting in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Fulfulde, and other indigenous languages, WASH 94.9 FM ensures no Nigerian is left behind in the journey toward better health. It extends its reach beyond terrestrial limits via online streaming platforms such as its website and Radio Garden.

Celebrating its first year, WASH FM remains committed to expanding its footprint beyond Lagos. It aspires to be the nation’s leading health communication hub, empowering Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to live healthier lives while helping to alleviate healthcare burdens on households and the economy.

In a landscape where health misinformation can be deadly, WASH 94.9 FM stands as a beacon of trustworthy and engaging health education, reinforcing that good health is indeed true wealth. The station’s ongoing success foreshadows a new era of health-conscious media shaping Nigeria’s future wellness