The University owned Radio Station, FUNAAB Radio 89.5FM celebrated its first anniversary amid pomp and pageantry with the Guest Lecturer, Professor Lai Oso charging the media to live up to its responsibilities as the watchdog of the society.
The anniversary which was well attended by members of the University Community, media administrators and personnel, fans of the radio station, among others also featured presentation of awards to broadcasters who distinguished themselves at FUNAAB Radio.
Welcoming guests to the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) and Chairman, FUNAAB Radio Board, Professor Lateef Sanni commended every stakeholder that has demonstrated that FUNAAB Radio is collectively owned through individual contribution to its success.
He said as a Federal University of Agriculture, it is our duty to disseminate information on solutions to Agricultural problems facing Nigeria and this duty is being carried out on FUNAAB Radio 89.5 FM.
Delivering a lecture titled, “Wanted for Nigeria’s Greatness: Broadcasting with a Developmental Focus”, Professor Lai Oso the Former Dean, College of Communication and Social Sciences, Lagos State University, reminded the congregation that media defines our reality, it shapes the picture in our head and can either be a source of corruption or of positivity.
According to him, the developmental role the media is aimed at playing has delved into a problem, because, the media has been turned into a playground of politics and profitability, rather than being neutral and fair.
The media according to him is supposed to empower and give voice to the citizens, but it is now a tool controlled by profit, noting that the power of the market control is subtle but the control it has on gate-keeping the media is rather malicious.
He stressed with dismay that “Now, Educational and valuable programmes are being replaced by irrelevant news, gossips and Negativity”, even as he enjoined FUNAAB Radio to find its core value, give voice to the students and make relevance its backbone.
The Head of Public Relations, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Onwuka digging beneath the surface of the Guest Lecturer by reeling out his profile with finesse.
The lecture, was well delivered, inspirational and motivating x-raying all aspects of the broadcast media.
As the highpoint of the day, FUNAAB RADIO rewarded the efforts of some of its presenters, with plaque of honour.
Present at the occasion were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Morenike Dipeolu, the Registrar, Dr. ‘Bola Adekola, FUNAAB Radio Board Members, representatives of other FUNAAB Principal Officers alongside guests from Ogun State Television (OGTV), members of the Association of Nigeria Campus Broadcasting Stations, Association of Regular Callers on Radio and Television, Ogun State alongside notable broadcast media personalities.