Tributes, tears and memories flowed in to FM 100 Talkback Show this morning following the passing of Roger Hau’ofa, the instigator of the popular talkback program.
The late Hau’ofa passed away on Saturday at around 11pm.
Tributes flowed in to today’s talkback program from far and wide.
Julianna Waeda, a journalist with Loop PNG, recalled her time at FM 100 reading the news for the first time and how Roger came up to her and told her… “You are the voice, you set the tone of the day ”. Waeda thanked Roger’s family for sharing such a great man with the rest of the country.
Businesswoman Janet Sios and health advocator was tearful as she recalled her time working with the late king of talkback. “I came to know him personally over the last five years.”
Lee, from Kimbe, said she and her husband were keen listeners to the talkback program.
“We liked his program. Roger Hau’ofa was straight when he talked and made many issues clear for us. We, from the block, like the way Roger Hau’ofa would explain topics. We at the block in Kimbe give our condolence to Roger Hau’ofa’s family.”
Uncle ET, Emil Tenoa, a former broadcaster, also sent his condolence and called on the FM 100 staff to continue the legacy of the late Hau’ofa. Tenoa also spoke of Roger’s efforts in advocating for normalcy for the people of Bougainville following the crisis.
Culligan Tanda – of TVWAN’s Nau program, said he has learned much from the late icon. Tanda said the late broadcaster gave him two advice he will never forget. First was, “Whenever you are on air, question without fear or favour and secondly, you must be positive and progressive in giving messages to the people of Papua New Guinea.”
One Rebecca said he was a walking encyclopaedia, and he could talk to people from all classes. He was a wise man and one who was very knowledgeable.
Captain Walter Mimari, “bush pilot”, said “Roger Hau’ofa is not dead because he has left a legacy which will be carried on by you on this program”.