By Seyifunmi Odunuga
It was an epoch making event as Yemi Sonde popularly called “Jigan Akala” signed off on all radio & television stations he has presented on for 32 years of his sojourn in the Broadcasting Industry.
The “Thank You Lunch” which was held at Mauve 21 Ring Road Ìbàdàn on Wednesday 5th January featured goodwill messages from friends and broadcasting colleagues, awards presentations and lunch for all the guests present at the event.
Yemi Sonde who gave thanks to God for the grace to make the day a reality and for him to actualize his dream as a radio proprietor. The thank you lunch which hosted heavy and mighty in the media industry and creme de la creme in the society had in attendance, the new Zonal Director Radio Nigeria Ibadan Network Center, Mrs Bolatito Joseph; National Broadcasting Commission Ibadan Zonal Director, Mr Raphael Akpan; Oyo State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Demola Babalola; Oyo State FIBAN Chairman, Comrade Ṣeun Awódélé, the General Manager (Operations) Splash FM, Mr Túndé Olawuwo, General Manager (Admin) Splash FM, Mr Adesina Alawode, CEO Apreel 1 Events Management TV, Mr Seyifunmi Odunuga (Chicago), Prince Diran Odeyemi (Former PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary), Engr Dr Taiwo Kadri of Katawa Properties Ltd, Mrs Opeyemi Orimolade of BCOS, Basorun Gboyega Lawal, Alagba Kolade Àlàbí, Lere Shittu, Kayode Joseph, the pioneer General Manager Splash FM Ibadan, Alhaji Sulaiman Adegbenro (Consoligbadun), Mr Pekun Oloyede, Yinka Agboola, Publisher Parrot Xtra Magazine, Mustapha Ajísafẹ́ of Sterling Bank, Prince Tunde Balogun (Òru o mọ ẹni ọwọ), Fẹmi Oladele aka Solar, Yinka James Adonai, Adetoro Imoyosola, Jide Alawode of Learn Africa PLC, Pastor Bọla Oyediran, Halleluyah Curtains, Management & staffs of Splash & Lagelu FM, Management & staffs of Yemi Sonde Media Group, media houses Representatives across Southwest Nigeria, friends and family of Yemi Sonde amongst many other dignitaries.
The Thank You Launch made some well respected organizations to also appreciate the Radio Icon with awards presentations amongst whom are Star Trend Media Outfits which was presented to him by Oyo Nuj Chairman, Comrade Demola Babalola and Seyifunmi Odunuga (Chicago) while FIBAN Oyo State also presented an award to him with the help of Mr Raphael Akpan, Zonal Director NBC Ìbàdàn, Yemi Sonde in return presented a “THANK YOU” award to Splash FM Ibadan for being a dependable ally which was done in company of some notable media Icons.
The “Thank You Lunch” and “Bowing Out to Refire” are what people termed as “koseleri” in the history of broadcasting industry all over and this made Yemi Sonde Jigan Akala to be a trailblazer among his colleagues. Yemi Sonde who also extended his appreciation moves to the house of the founder of West Midlands Communications owners of Splash FM Ibadan, Lagelu FM and Splash FM Abeokuta for the platform given to him to air his Programmes for 15 years in batches of the existence of the radio. The Eekarun Olubadan prayed for Yemi Sonde and the breakthrough for YES FM IBADAN.
The Thank You Lunch was anchored by the duo of Ṣeun Akinola and 13th Disciple while the highly respected DJ AY dished out nice music at the event. Guests were thrilled with the sumptuous meals served with assorted drinks for all.
