Policymakers in the media industry, influencers, professionals, and, most especially, key figures in the electronic media have underscored the need to harness the mass media’s capacity to promote social, economic, and political unity in Nigeria.
The recent 8th edition of the NBC/Yemi Sonde Broadcast Stakeholders Forum, themed “The Role of Mass Media in National Development, “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 about 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 a catalyst for driving economic development in the country.
The event, organised by Yemi Sonde, the ace broadcaster and founder of Yes FM Radio Station, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), featured distinguished speakers and panellists who shared their experiences in the media industry.
In his welcome address, Mr Yemi Sonde, the co-convener of the forum and Group Managing Director of 101.7 Yes FMm, lauded stakeholders and other dignitaries for their support 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.
Professor Isaac Olawale Albert, a professor of African history, peace, and conflict studies at the University of Ibadan, presented the third paper, “Social Media And National Development.”
The papers were analysed by media gurus, including the CEO of Women FM, Mrs Toun Okewale; the former director of NBC, Mrs Bunmi Cole; the Director of NBC Lagos Zone, Mr Raphael Akpan; Mr Edmund Obilo; and the CEO of Rave FM Osogbo, Mr Femi Adefila.
In an interview with REPORTERS AT LARGE, some professional experts shared their experiences and 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 the 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, defined 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. Gabriela Ajayi representing Zonal Director, Frcn, former Zonal Director, Frcn, Ibadan, Mrs Bolatito Joseph, Femi Adefila of Rave FM, Osogbo and a host of others.
