The Special Adviser to Governor Akinwumi Ambode on Communities and Communications, Hon. Akeem Omoyele Sulaimon when delivering his keynote address at the 2-day workshop with the theme; Strategic Communication: A Tool for Media Networking and Community Relations for community media practitioners organised by Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs at Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday said the workshop is timely, relevant and of mutual benefit to practitioners in the community media practice.
The former council boss and chairman of the Conference 57 appreciated Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his unrivalled stride in building the capacities of media practitioners for the development of communities across the state.
The Special Adviser commended practitioners for their efforts in promoting community participation in government and urged participants to open their minds to discussions at the event. He further stated that “Let me emphasis that through community media, the residents will experience intercultural dynamics; also able to reach out to members of the communities , share relevant information, news, provide content in different languages and as well further raise awareness on measures to protect and defend the rights of victims within the community” he affirmed.
Hon. Akeem said he was pleased with the choice of facilitators as he is confident they will address complex issues affecting community journalism.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Communities & Communication, Mr. Tajudeen Adeniji Quadri commended Practitioners of community journalism for staying true to its identity of projecting the achievements of the state government at the local level.
The Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs. Bisi Olufuwa in her vote of thanks appreciated Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for keeping faith with community journalism in the state.
Olufuwa also appreciated the facilitators and participants for gathering to discuss germane issues in community media.
She assured participants and practitioners of community journalism that the workshop is the beginning of good things to come.
The first facilitator Prof. Alaba Adenuga of the Faculty of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye presented a paper on Strategies For Human Relations and Administrative Communication For Communal Growth And Development.
He noted that good administrative communication would not only promote harmonious co-existence but would also build confidence and sense of belongingness among staff.
The second facilitator with the Topic: Community, Conflict, Communication: The Nexus by Mr. Deji Balogun, Director Social Media, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy.
Balogun stated that like every sovereign society, community media exist with code of ethics and anyone venturing into the profession must adhere to its standing rules.
He said, conflict only arises when there is breach of the existing code of conduct. Sources of conflict in a formal setting are usually relationship, value, data, structural and interest and they can be managed by improved public relations.
“Community media has always played a significant role in instigating and curtailing conflict in the society. Making reference to the Rwanda genocide which was influenced by the sensationalism of a local radio station where over 800,000 people were massacred”.
The former General Manager Lagos State Television further noted that, “Different ways of life, ideology, miscommunication, lack of information, stereotyping, procedural interest, unequal control of resources are some of the causes of conflict facing community media practitioners in the contemporary world” he tutored.
The Chairman House Committee on Local Government Administration, Hon. Rotimi Olowo in his remark said the workshop is the most interesting and engaging event he has attended in recent years. He said, the presentations from the two facilitators in the opening day were precise and concise.
He pointed out that if we want the best for our community, we must take cognizance of community media operations because the only structure where the challenges and opportunities in our society are well pronounced is in the grassroots.
Hon. Olowo added that the growth of community media is pivotal to the development of the state and as such proposed a robust engagement that will involve Chairmen of LGAs and LCDAs in the state.
The participants used the gala-nite to rub-minds and exchange ideas while savouring the moment.
At the final day the Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon Muslim Folami stated that, “This is the first time in Lagos State that we are having this kind of gathering of Community Media Practitioners to a workshop/seminar that will enhance your scope in your field. Reason is this because we are having a government that is sensitive and responsive to the yearnings of the people; the government that believes in the inclusion of all. As I am talking to you this afternoon we are having over 4,000 Community Development Associations (CDAs) in Lagos State. When we came on-board we have just 2000 CDAs but now we have over 4,000 CDAs”.
“My advice to you distinguished practitioners; I see you as the life of our various communities in Lagos State you keep us the happenings and activities in various communities of Lagos State. Please be factual in what you report” the Commissioner advised the Community Media Practitioners as the workshop came to a close on Friday.
The Chairman Steering Committee Lagos State Community Media Forum (CMF) Comrade ‘Tayo Aderinola expressed his gratitude to the Lagos State government for organizing the capacity building workshop for the Community Media Practitioners. He said, “On behalf of the Lagos State Community Media Practitioners I want to express our gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and his Special Adviser on Communities and Communications, Hon Akeem Omoyele Sulaiman for organizing this capacity building workshop for the Community Media Practitioners in Lagos State”.
“It will go a long way in improving our skills and professionalism. Although it’s long overdue since CMF was initiated over 3 years ago by now Commissioner for Information and Strategy Hon. Kehinde Bamgbetan who organised a seminar in 2016. The community media is closer to our respective communities far more than the national media who enjoys more government patronage. This workshop is an indication that our effort is now gaining recognition by the government and it will spur us to improve on our grassroots/community reportage” the Lagos Panorama publisher stated.
Publisher of Oriwu Sun, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago in the goodwill message appreciated the State government for given community journalism relevance in the state.
He stated that after 34 years of starting the first community newspaper, Oriwu Sun, the media has grown tremendously as the state now has over 8,000 community media organizations.
“Community newspaper is the most powerful weapon in the world because of its proximity to the people”.
While bemoaning the level of awareness of community media in the country, he urged participants to appreciate the state government for its continuous support for the community media.
