It was an exciting moment last Monday when the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), Oyo State Chapter, alongside UNESCO, celebrated Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi on his 50 years as a media icon. This event was held on World Radio Day with the theme “Radio and Peace.”
The event hall, Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi Ape, was filled to the brim with dignitaries across the country coming together to celebrate the Septuagenarian, Ambassador of culture, and Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye’ Lekan Rasheed Alabi.
Chief Yemi Ogunyemi said the opening prayer, which was followed by the introduction of guests, which the Chairman, Oyo FIBAN, Comrade Seun Awodele, performed.
Thereafter, Comrade Awodele read the welcome address, in which he appreciated the living legend for his good works in journalism at Oyo State. He also introduced Oloye Lekan Alabi FIBAN Media Centre.
He also explained how Oloye Lekan Alabi worked tremendously in Oyo state and praised God for helping him attain 50 years of great performances in all aspects of journalism. He then introduced the pre-radio launch station, Honour 103.5, owned by Rev. Phillips Oyewale.
The Chairman of the occasion, Aremo Olusegun Osoba in his opening remarks, urged journalists to be dedicated and committed to the journalism profession, stating that the new generation of journalists have more opportunities to access information than veteran journalists who worked when there were no technology and equipment.
The former governor of Ogun State added that technology has helped modern-day journalism through the use of Google search engines, cable networks, and others as sources of information.
Aremo Osoba, however, lamented that modern journalists are not professional enough in their practice because they are too materialistic, enjoining them to be more dedicated and committed to the profession.
Also speaking at the event, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Phillipines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, said radio broadcasters must include facts in their reports, explaining that radio is a medium listened to by millions of people, including the literate and illiterate, rich and poor.
Dr Farounbi, however, advised radio broadcasters to be agents of truth by reporting facts, as they are expected not to manipulate facts.
The celebrant, Oloye Lekan Alabi, while speaking with journalists, explained that World Radio Day celebrated every 13th of February, was instituted after the Second World War by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to promote peace, adding that the day was set aside for radio because radio remained the most far-reaching, easily accessible communication medium.
While urging journalists to ensure they are professional in their practice and desist from partisanship, Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi appreciated FIBAN for the recognition accorded him after 50 years of practising journalism.
Adesola Ogunbanjo-Batili Alake performed the first music performance, and the lecture was delivered by the guest speaker, Prof. Remi Raji-Oyelade, who analyzed the theme of radio and peace. In the piece titled “Poetic of Radio,” he said radio is everywhere and was once a magic box that speaks endlessly without getting a response.
He added that it has the ability to generate and inspire development and can bring peace to the nation, disclosing that in Oyo State, there are over 40 radio stations.
“Radio continues to be one of the world’s most trusted and used media, according to international reports. New social media are sharing the popularity and widespread radio influence of old glory notwithstanding. Radio is the most common media in urban and rural areas today. The followers are loyal to their belief in the operation mode and contents. It also can extend and to embellish stories,” he said.
Wole Ojo and his bands performed the second musical performance, Mrs Ibiyemi Ajadi performed the cake-cutting, and Alhaji Gboyega Lawal raised money. During this event, dignitaries contributed a reasonable amount of money.
Dignitaries present at the occasion include society’s crème de la crème, business stakeholders, celebrities, people in the media industry, and a host of others.
