As the Founder of First Online Community Radio in Ikorodu Omoba Peju Akinyemi simultaneously celebrated his 50th birthday and the launching of his third book titled “From Dreams to Reality” different remarks from Stakeholders cum well wishers have emerged.
The former Permanent Secretary of Lagos Television, Lekan Ogunbanwo who was ably represented by Olayinka Adagun pioneer General Manager of Lagos Traffic Radio emphasized the crucial role community radio plays in promoting national security, tourism development, and cultural renaissance in Nigeria.
Adagun representing the keynote speaker highlighted the importance of community radio in addressing local issues, providing training and capacity building opportunities, and fostering community engagement and participation in development activities.
Adagun expressed that community radio is an essential medium for communities to express their concerns and issues in their own languages. He posited that it plays a vital role in promoting national security by disseminating critical information on security issues and prevention measures.
Furthermore, community radio contributes to tourism development and cultural renaissance by promoting local cultures, traditions, and languages.
He illustrates the example of Senegal, where community radio offers a third model of radio broadcasting, distinct from commercial and public broadcasting.
“In Nigeria, community radio faces challenges, including the high cost of establishing a radio station and the expansion of the digital divide. However, Ogunbanwo emphasized that community radio can thrive in Nigeria, citing the example of a three-bedroom flat running a radio station.”
The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government Honourable Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina in an interview with Newsconnect at the event talked about the celebrant and the impact he has made as a community media practitioner.
” I agree with the reviewer of the book. I want to join millions of people to congratulate and celebrate Peju himself. He has helped a lot as far as community radio is concerned.
“He has been the pioneer of the program. Not only that, he has also helped to raise voiceless voice to a level of reckoning. He has also assisted in showcasing some of our programs and projects within the local government.
“He has been a vibrant and steadfast person. I want to join others to congratulate him, and I believe this is a milestone, in his own life and I believe the sky is the limit”. He said
The Senator Representing Lagos East Senatorial District Mikhail Adetokunbo Abiru who was represented by his media aide Enitan Olukotun didn’t just give account of the celebrant but also shared his word of admonition.
“He is truly a distinguished professional, he has distinguished himself in the journalism profession. Also his service in this community is quite commendable.
“He should not relent on the trajectory of excellence, there are so many opportunities he can explore in this golden age.
“He is on a very good path, he should consolidate on the gains that he has recorded in the last fifty years of his life going forward”. He said
The Chairman of Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative (IDPIL), Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, represented by Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, the Executive Secretary of IDPIL, unveiled the book titled “From Dreams to Reality” by Omoba Peju Akinyemi.
During the unveiling ceremony, Otunba Abiru commended Omoba Akinyemi for his outstanding contributions to community journalism and the development of the community. He praised Akinyemi’s dedication to telling the stories of the community and promoting its interests.
Otunba Abiru also used the opportunity to advocate for support for journalists. He noted that many journalists are poorly paid, with some going without salaries for months. This, he said, can lead to unethical practices, such as the acceptance of “brown envelopes” (bribes).
“The practice of good journalism is essential for a sane society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent Government,” Otunba Abiru said. “However, we can only achieve this if employers of journalists pay them commensurate salaries that reflect the risks they take in their profession.”
The celebrant in an interview with Newsconnect at the event talked about the essence of the lecture title: ‘Impact of community media, National security , tourism development, and cultural renaissance’.
In his words, he said;
“What we are trying to say is that with media, security infraction can be curtailed. I am part of the community , I am a responsible resident, and community media practitioner.
“I take the security of my community as paramount. Community media is the media of the community, by the community and for the community.
“For democracy to truly thrive, effective then we need a media that is of the community, by the community and for the community. That underscores the essence of today’s commemorative lecture on the impact of community media, National security , tourism development, and cultural renaissance”. He said
“The unveiling of “From Dreams to Reality” was a significant event in the literary and journalism communities, and it highlighted the importance of supporting journalists and promoting good journalism practices.
“The book highlights the transformative power of community-focused media in shaping societies. “This book showcases the impact of grassroots media on societal transformation,” he emphasized. “It’s a testament to the vision, resilience, and influence of community voices.”
Omoba Peju Akinyemi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to attendees and shared the inspiring story behind his book, which chronicles the remarkable journey of Ikorodu Oga Radio since its establishment in 2016.
Dignitaries in attendance were Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Rep. Babajimi Benson, Otunba Saheed Ibikunle, former Ag Commissioner for Tourism in Lagos State, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola, Otunba Fatai Olukoga, Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, Mr Taiwo Salami Awolaru, Director of Administration, IDPIL and Com. Kehinde Okeowo and husband, Dr. T.A.G Okeowo also graced the event.