Some key stakeholders across Ikorodu Division recently gathered at the Ikorodu ultra-modern town Hall, on to brainstorm on how to improve the relationship between Ikorodu Community media practitioners and the community itself.
Addressing guests in his opening speech, Michael Eromona, Publisher Ikorodu News Network and host of the event noted that, the summit of synergy was inspired by the need to close the gap between Ikorodu Division Community Stakeholders and media practitioners in the community.
Eromona stated that, a robust relationship between the two would improve public perception of Ikorodu by residents and outsiders, while also presenting the community media practitioners as partners-in-progress.
Managing Director of Primero Transport Service and operators of the Lagos Bus Rapid Transport system, Mr Fola Tinubu noted that his company has created and enjoyed robust business relationship with media outlets in Ikorodu. He however stated that, the challenge posed by the hustle and bustle of Lagos City was a major setback for many residents in appreciating the works of the media.
A notable Ikorodu Division leader, former Lagos State Head of Service and Chairman, IDRDG Bashorun Babatunde Rotinwa also charged the community media practitioners in Ikorodu to be alive to their responsibility as the fourth estate of the realm, by holding political office holders accountable.
He reiterated that, without good governance, there cannot be development, noting that good governance was at the mercy of public scrutiny and accountability, which can only be made possible through effective community media engagements.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu local government, Hon Wasiu Adeshina, represented by Comrade Akadiri Adeleke was of the view that the community media practitioners in Ikorodu has to come together under one umbrella in their collective interest.
He equally stressed that politics was a major bane of the growth and development of community media in Ikorodu community, thus advising fhem to shun divisive tendencies and become a united force.
Other discussant and speakers like Comrade Sesan Daini, Executive Chairman Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Mayor Deeen Sanwoola, DG I-Care Foundation, Dr Paul Seye Oshodi, CEO Oshodi Arts Gallery and Hon Balogun- Rotimi Olatunbosun in their individual contributions maintained that a strategic partnership between the media and Ikorodu Community was germane to the promotion of peace and development.
A leading community media practitioner and Founder of Ikorodu Oga Radio, Omo’ba ‘Peju Akinyemi noted that, ‘responsibility is reciprocal’, calling on Ikorodu community stakeholders to ‘own’ the Community Media by being responsible to community media practitioners.
He berated situations where community media practitioners were treated like ‘beggars’ by some community stakeholders at some events.
He also condemned the dichotomy being created by some stakeholders, where mainstream media journalists were treated better and with more courtesies than their counterparts in the community media practice.
He concluded by imploring community stakeholders to start seeing community media men as strategic partners in progress whose contributions is strategic to overall community development.
The event was graced by some community stakeholders, including Mr Fola Tinubu, MD/CEO, Primero TSL, Alh Babatunde Rotinwa Chairman, IDRDG, Hon Wasiu Adeshina, Executive Chairman, Ikorodu local government, represented by Com Akadiri Adeleke, Com Sesan Daini, Executive Chairman, Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Dr Paul Seye Oshodi, MD/CEO, Oshodi Arts Gallery and a former House of Assembly aspirant, Hon Balogun- Rotimi Olatunbosun among other stakeholders.
