By Seyifunmi Odunuga
Policymakers in the media industry, influencers, professionals, and most especially key figures in the electronic media have underscored the need to harness the capacity of the mass media to promote social, economic, and political unity in Nigeria.
During the recent 8th edition of the NBC/Yemi Sonde Broadcast Stakeholders Forum, themed “The Role of Mass Media in National Development, “which was held at the prestigious Alumni Multipurpose Hall inside the University of Ibadan, strategic discussion on the role and exploits of the media took centre stage.
Apart from providing a healthy platform for insightful conversations aimed at understanding the challenges of the media industry in the 21st century, panellists and experts charted a way forward to explore the potential of broadcast media as one of the catalysts to drive economic development in the country.
The event, organised by the ace broadcaster and founder of Yes FM Radio Station, Yemi Sonde, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), featured a lineup of distinguished speakers and panellists who shared their experiences in the media industry.
In his welcome address, Sonde, the co-convener of the forum and Group Managing Director of 101.7 Yes FMm, Mr Yemi Sonde, lauded stakeholders and other dignitaries for their supportive roles in enhancing the responsibilities of media practitioners in Nigeria.
In his keynote address, the Director- General of NBC, Mr Charles Ebuebu, who was represented by the director, in charge of Broadcast Monitoring at the commission, Mrs Franca Aiyetan, emphasised the indispensable role of the media in shaping public opinion and contributing to the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria.
The forum accommodated the presentation of three papers, titled: “The Mass Media as a tool for Public Enlightenment in Achieving Development, was presented by The Director, Public Affairs NBC, Mrs Susan Obi, while the second paper: “The impact of Mass Media in Deepening Democratic Culture in Nigeria” was presented by The Director Broadcast Monitoring, NBC Mrs Franca Aiyetan
The third paper, with the topic: “Social Media And National Development ” was presented by the Professor of African History, Peace and Conflicts Studies, University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Olawale Albert.
The papers were analysed by media gurus, which include the CEO of Women FM, Mrs Toun Okewale, former NBC Director, Mrs Bunmi Cole, Director of NBC Lagos Zone, Mr Raphael Akpan, Mr Edmund Obilo, CEO Rave FM Osogbo, Mr Femi Adefila, amongst others.
During an interview with Apreel1 Events Tv, some of the professional experts in the media industry, who shared their experiences, commended Sonde for organising the media forum, saying the development had contributed immensely to the industry’s growth.
Media stakeholders and dignitaries present at the event include, Oyo State Police Command, represented by the PPRO, Mr Adewale Osifeso, and Oyo State Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) represented by ……Governor Seyi Makinde represented by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade and Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Agba Lekan Alabi who chaired the occasion,
Others Included Yemi Sodimu, Yanju Adegbite, Chief Operating Officer, Honour FM, Seun Awodele, Engr. Gabrieal Ajayi representing Zonal Director, Frcn, former Zonal Director, Frcn, Ibadan, Mrs Bolatito Joseph, Femi Adefila of Rave FM, Osogbo and host of others.
The event was covered by Apreel1 Events Tv.
