By Seyifunmi Odunuga
It was an exciting moment last Monday when 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 Center, Idi Ape was filled to the brim with dignitaries across the country coming together to celebrate the Septuagenarian, Ambassador of culture and also Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye’ Lekan Rasheed Alabi.
The opening prayer was said by Chief Yemi Ogunyemi followed by introduction of guests which was performed by the Chairman,
Oyo FIBAN, Comrade Seun Awodele.
Thereafter, Comrade Awodele read the welcome address in which he appreciated the living legend for his good works in journalism in Oyo State and also introduced Oloye Lekan Alabi FIBAN Media Centre.
He also explained how Oloye Lekan Alabi worked tremendously in Oyo state and gave glory to God for making him attaining the 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 journalists have more opportunities to access information than veteran journalists who worked when there were no technology and equipments
The former governor of Ogun State, added that technology has helped modern day journalism through the use of google search engine, cable networks and others as sources of information.
Aremo Osoba however lamented that the modern day journalists are not being 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 report, explaining that radio as 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 through reporting of facts as they are expected not to manipulate fact .
The celebrant, Oloye Lekan Alabi, while speaking with journalists, explained that the world Radio Day celebrated every 13th of February, was instituted after the Second World War, by the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organisations 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 however appreciated FIBAN for the recognition accorded him after 50 years of practicing as a journalist.
The first music performance was done by Adesola Ogunbanjo-Batili Alake and the
lecture was delivered by the guest speaker, Prof. Remi Raji-Oyelade, who analyzed the theme, 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 inspired development and can bring peace to the nation, disclosing that in Oyo state they are over 40 radio stations.
“Radio continues to be one of the most trusted and used media in the world according to different international reports. The popularity and widespread of radio influence of old glory is being shared by new media that is social media notwithstanding, radio is the commonest media to access in urban and rural areas today. The followers are loyal to their believability to the operation mode and contents. It also has the capacity to extend and to embellish stories”, he said.
The second musical performance was by Wole Ojo and his bands while the cutting of cake was performed by Mrs. Ibiyemi Ajadi and fund raising by Alhaji Gboyega Lawal, during which dignitaries contributed reasonable amount of money.
Dignitaries present at the occasion include the cream de la creme in the society, business stakeholders, celebrities, people in the media industry and host of others.
Kabiyesi Fatai Adiyeloja from NTA and Chief (Mrs.) Julie Coker, anchored the program while Apreel1 Events Management and TV packaged and covered the event.