General Managers of Lagos State Television, Mrs. Sola Kosoko and her counterpart at Traffic Radio, Mr. Tayo Akanle were among distinguished broadcasters inducted as members, Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) on Thursday, just as stakeholders urged the new inductees to continually uphold the ethics of broadcasting and remain worthy ambassadors of the profession.
Speaking at the formal induction ceremony and inauguration of the Lagos Chapter of the Society held at the EKO FM Multi-Purpose Hall, the National Coordinator of SNB, Dr. Yemi Bamgbose noted that the association was conceived in 1962 by late Ambassador Segun Olusola as a professional body of broadcasters. “We are here to live history as there’s no such thing as a retired broadcaster. SNB can help translate ideas into reality and one of the key objectives of the society is training and retraining which are some of the benefits to be derived by members,” he said.
On his part, the Chairman, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) Abdul Rahman-Dambos congratulated the new inductees, adding that the SNB would improve the standards and ethics in broadcasting.
Dambos, who was represented by the President, Silverbird Group, Mr. Guy Murray-Bruce, noted that a true journalist must always get two sides to every story, saying “Do not employ someone who just looks good as a broadcaster. In other words, SNB is all about welfare and the total development of broadcasters.”
Delivering the keynote address, at the event, Chairman/CEO, Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh emphasised that broadcasting is not merely a profession, it is a powerful form that shapes norms. Therefore, broadcasters must shape society.
Speaking further, Momoh who was represented by the Station’s AGM Operations, Mr. Kingsley Uranta stated that broadcasting professionals face various challenges including digital disruptions, fake news, and misinformation among others. Hence, navigating these challenges requires broadcasters to maintain high ethical standards while identifying more ways to engage their audience using technological advancement.
“You must respect audience feedback because a well-informed citizenry is key. Broadcasting serves as a bridge between countries and our role in a country like Nigeria is to amplify marginalised voices. Therefore, let us reaffirm our commitment and continue to be custodians of truth and through our collective efforts, we’ll shape the future”, Momoh affirmed.
Also speaking, the Lagos Coordinator, SNB, Mr. Deji Balogun harped on the need for members to meet regularly, organise programmes, sustain associations and organise workshops for optimal growth, “We need to come together and make sure we become a vibrant chapter”, he added.
Thereafter, the oath of membership was administered to new inductees of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters by Barrister Muyiwa Odubela closely followed by the presentation of certificates.
Dignitaries at the event include The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, represented by Miss. Bukola Bakare; Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Segun Ogundeji, represented by Mrs. Biola Banjoko-Raji; Director, Information Production, Mrs. Funmi Adesanya represented by Mrs. Bimpe Zacheaus: Director, Social Media, Dr. Jide Atansuyi; former GM/Permanent Secretary of LTV Mr. Lekan Ogunbanwo and GM of Radio Lagos/Eko FM, Mr. Jide Lawal among others.
