Boma Tom Erekosima (1949–1996)
Boma Tom Erekosima (1949–1996), known by his alias “Country-Man,” was an iconic Niger Delta humorist and one of radio’s finest voices in the 1980s and 1990s. Best known for his use of African proverbs in Pidgin English, Erekosima became a sensation on Radio Rivers, where his witty and humorous broadcasts earned him the title of “King of Talk Radio.” His unique blend of humor captivated audiences, and in 1995, he even made the then Head of State, General Sani Abacha, laugh heartily during a visit to Rivers State.
Born in Eku, Delta State, Erekosima had a varied education and went on to become a respected journalist, teacher, and stand-up comedian. He worked as a Senior Sub-Editor for the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation and later served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Nigeria Tide Newspaper before transitioning to the Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation, where his Pidgin English broadcasts elevated him to stardom.