Policy Makers, Media Executives, OAPs, Others Underscore Potentials of Media Industry At NBC/Yemi Sonde 8th Broadcast Stakeholders Forum
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 in promoting social economic, and unity in Nigeria at the NBC/Yemi Sonde 8th broadcast stakeholders forum.
During the recent NBC/Yemi Sonde 8th 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 the centre stage.
Apart from providing a healthy platform for insightful conversations aimed at understanding the challenges of the media industry in the 21st century, panelists and experts charted a way forward to explore potentials in the broadcast media as one of the catalysts to drive economic development in the country.
The event organized 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 panelists who shared their experiences in the media industry.
In his welcome address, Sonde, who is the co-convener of the forum and Group Managing Director of 101.7 Yes FM, Mr Yemi Sonde, lauded stakeholders and other dignitaries for 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, emphasized 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 of Public Affairs NBC, Mrs Susan Obi, while the second paper: “The Impact of Mass Media in deeping 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 analyzed 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 of 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 organizing the media forum, saying the development had contributed immensely to the growth of the industry.
Media stakeholders and dignitaries present at the event include, Oyo State Police Command, represented by the PPRO, Mr Adewale Osifeso, 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. Gabriel Ajayi representing Zonal Director, Frcn, former Zonal Director, Frcn, Ibadan, Mrs. Bolatito Joseph, Femi Adefila of Rave FM, Osogbo, and a host of others.
The event was covered by Apreel1 Events TV.