Wale JAGUN, Olatunji ADEMOLA & Ebunolowa AFOLABI (SIWES student)
-Commend, charge publisher to do more
Eminent and distinguished professionals and personalities, on Friday, September 27, 2019, graced THE IMPACT Newspaper’s 5th anniversary lecture which was held at the Falcoms Bar & Lounge, Ipakodo-Ebute in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria.
The event,which was themed, “Professional News Organizations And Their lmpacts On The Society: Community Media Perspective” , was also used to inaugurate a monthly discussion initiative of THE IMPACT on issues affecting Ikorodu Division, Lagos State and Community Journalism as well as the commemoration of the 2019 World News Day (WND).
Among eminent personalities in attendance at the three-in-one event were Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly (Special Guest of honour), Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State and publisher of Echo News (Guest Lecturer), His Royal Majesty Oba Semiudeen Orimadegn Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, (Royal Father of the day), Mr Ayodeji Iginla, former Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic (Chairman of the day), Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, first Secretary to the State Government (Father of the day), Alhaja Abiodun Ogunniyi, Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu (Mother of the day)) , Otunba Ayodele Elesho, former Commissioner for Information and the Agbaakin of Ikorodu (Special guest of honour) and Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development and a former Business Editor, Daily Times (Special guest of honour).
Others were, Prince Akeem Olukunga, member, Governing Board, Lagos State Sports Commission, Ahaji Monzor Olowosago, Publisher, Oriwu Sun, Barr. SOK Shillings, former Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Barr. Lekan Ijelu, Dr Adeyemi Idowu, Mr Pelu Awofeso, a travel journalist and tourism expert, Mr Dayo Akintobi, President, Association of Practitioners of Community Meda (APCOM), Prince Idowu Oyefusi, Executive Secretary, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi Foundation, Alhaji Lanre Kuye, Deputy Registrar, Information/PRO, Lagos State Polytechnic, Dr Taiwo Hassan, Medical Director, Ebute-Metta Comprehensive Health Centre, Asiwaju Lateef Oduguwa, former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ikorodu branch, Mr Tony Okuyeme, Arts Editor, New Telegraph, Chief Niyi Omotayo Ajayi, Eletu-elect, Olola Olusegun Iluyombo, Alhaji Kola Akinsanya, Mr Taiwo Salami Awolaru, Mr Smart Oluwole Abejoye, Mr Zulukhadeen, Alhaja Bisi Mustapha and Alhaja Olanrewaju among many others.
While welcoming guests to the anniversary celebration, Kunle Adelabu, Founder/Publisher/Reporter-in-Chief of THE IMPACT Newspaper, stated that Ikorodu is the home of community journalism in Nigeria and Africa.
“We are here today to celebrate the undying spirit of journalism of Ikorodu.
“Ikorodu community newspaper has been in existence for close to 40 years with Providence as the pioneer which later metamorphosed into Ikorodu News. That was abut 37years ago. There is also Oriwu Sun which is now 34 years”.
The publisher, who at various times worked with the two leading newspapers, also stated that:
“There are also others like The Factor which I also a played prominent role in its formation and operations for many years, Starlight, Trade & Contacts and others that have been existing for 20 to15 years and are still in existence. All these, aside many that have been rested after existing for many years, are proof that Ikorodu is the home of community journalism.
“Ikorodu has a very friendly environment for journalism because of its strategic position to the social, economic and political structures of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
“These factors, among many others, make the town the home of community journalism in Nigeria if not in Africa”, Adelabu stated.
Stating other factors that stand the division out in term of journalism and information management, the publisher also added:
“The division also has the first Minister for Information in Nigeria in the person of Late Chief TOS Benson, SAN, produced Commissioner for Information in Lagos in the person of Otunba Ayodele Elesho whose tenure transformed information dissemination in the State.
“It has also produced many on air personalities and seasoned journalists.
“Ikorodu also played host to many facilities that enhance communication and information dissemination in Lagos and Nigeria with the transmitting station of Radio Lagos and Voice of Nigeria stationed in the town”
Disturbed with the challenges of information management within Ikorodu division, Adelabu called for the establishment of central library to store and preserve historical documents and other materials for the use of the future generation and in reconstructing the historical development of the division.
“It is quite unfortunate that we do not have institution where we can get adequate information regarding historical, social and traditional developments of Ikorodu Division. Most of the materials that can be used in reconstructing histories of Ikorodu are either outside the community or in private hands”, he lamented.
“We need to start relating with some of our leaders in the division like Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, who is repository of everything Ikorodu. This I can confirm because of my knowledge of the enormity of what he has in his archive and more importantly, his wealth of knowledge about all these developments. Also, Otunba Ayodele Elesho and several others can help in this regard too.
“There is need for the division to start institutionalizing some of these divisional figures who are repository of its history by collecting necessary documents and information for preservation for generation yet unborn” , Adelabu stated.
While acknowledging people’s commendations, the Publisher also stated that THE IMPACT has only achieved little above 20% of its target and sought for support to take journalism to the next level in Ikorodu.
“I thank you all for honouring our invite to celebrate five years of our existence as a community paper. Within short time, we have not only impacted but also redefined community journalism in Ikorodu, Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
‘With our online presence, we have been able to reach more audience on daily basis and we also operated one of the best, most focused and effective WhatsApp platforms related to Ikorodu Division. Despite all these that can be refer to as achievements, we have only been able to achieve little above 20% of our targets.
“We need your support in term of advert, commissioning for special project and other patronages. We need your assistance to perform in this regard”, he solicited.
While introducing THE IMPACT monthly discourse, Adelabu stated that there is need for residents of the division to physically engaged on issues and proffer solutions to social, economic and political challenges.
“The main purpose of our gathering here today is primarily to inaugurate the monthly square discourse. We started this online in 2016 and it has been a model which other WhatsApp platforms have copied and imitated.
“We feel that it is time that we make the discussion physical in order to accommodate more people and engage ourselves more effectively.
“We are going to be gathering here every month to discuss issues that are germane to Ikorodu Division and community media. To achieve this, we are partnering with a leading hospitality business in Ikorodu Division, Falcoms Bar & Lounge which would be the venue for the discourse”.
On the celebration of the 2019 World News Day, THE IMPACT Newspaper Publisher commended and congratulated journalists, especially those who are involved in reportage on daily basis and have made newsroom their homes.
Adelabu also called for concerted efforts in developing tourism potentials in Ikorodu division.
He commended the guest lecture, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, for his effort in building community media publishers and Chief Executive Officers’ capacity during his tenures as Special Adviser on Communities and Communication and Commissioner for Information in the last administration.
“Picking the guest speaker was a choice that came naturally. He is a journalist, a former Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Lagos State, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communication and the immediate past Commissioner for Information and the publisher of one of the leading community paper, Echo News”, he stated.
“But more importantly, his impact on community media development is second to none. He’s one of the few celebrated individuals in Mr Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration, particularly for his performance as Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communication with direct dealing with the practitioners of community media in the State.
“Twice, over 50 publishers and chief executive officers of community media were given adverts that really helped and for four times, the Ambode government, based on the initiative of Hon. Bamigbetan, sponsored us for training which really impacted on us.
“He has done so much for the development of community news management in the modern time”, the Publisher stated while commending Hon. Bamigbetan.
The guest lecturer, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, in his well-researched lecture, stated that the publisher of THE IMPACT newspaper, with the anniversary’s lecture’s topic, has challenged media practitioners to beam searchlight more on ways media is being handled in community and social media journalism.
“By challenging us to review the role of professional news organisations and their impacts on society, the publisher of THE IMPACT is demonstrating huge discomfort, if not anger, at the way and manner journalism, particularly in community and social media, has become what the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo once described as “the refuge of the floatsam and the jetsam”.
“No one seems more bothered by this madding crowd of untrained interpreters of the social process invading the media like locusts than the publisher of THE IMPACT, Mr. Kunle Adelabu.”
Speaking on the roles of media organisations, the guest lecturer stated that:
“Ability to contextualize the role of the press in society and choose the framework that adds the most value is one of the critical decisions a news organisation must make to determine its strategic positioning in the information dissemination process.
“Equally critical to the education of a person who is seeking to disseminate information to the society is the acquisition of skills involved in the mechanics of news production. The development of a code of conduct which serves to standardize the obligations such a person must discharge to ensure fairness, balance, undue exposure of children in establishing the facts to be disseminated to the public.
“The rigid processes of checking facts and ensuring that only reliable, defensible and verifiable information goes in print or on air is called editing. However, such is the weight apportioned this onerous obligation that editors are assisted by a team of sub-editors and line editors all committed to ensuring that no defective information escapes their vigilant eyes.
“These are compelling reasons why the task of processing raw information to the mass product called news can best be performed by persons who have been trained in both the normative and the technical aspects of the job”.
He challenged those that are untrained to take up courses in journalism schools that are abound in the country.
“It is also important to note that Nigeria has created sufficient opportunities for acquiring these skills. At the last count, not less than 64 universities and 38 Polytechnics, a total of 96 institutions, offer training in mass communications. With good grades in English, Mathematics and three commercial or art subjects at the West African Examinations Council examinations and the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board examinations, there is no reason why you cannot join the ranks of truth seekers and disseminators”.
Proffering way forward for journalism in Nigeria, Hon. Bamigbetan recalled resolutions from the recently concluded media leaders’ summit organized by the Journalism Clinic founded by Mr Taiwo Obe, tagged, “The Ogere Declaration”.
According to the Speaker, “The resolutions of the summit are the skills set for the men to set them apart from the boys”.
They includes:
“Although, digital technology has disrupted the news media business, the principles and purpose of journalism remain largely the same”.
“Good journalism is the surest path to sustainable business survival and profitability. Therefore, news media operations must strive to produce and deliver content that their audiences and consumers must be willing to pay for.
“Advertising must not remain the sole source of revenue for the media. Media houses must build their brands such that they can leverage them to generate revenue from sources such as events, festivals, book publishing, merchandising, licensing, affiliate marketing and club membership.
“There cannot be digital journalism without the reconfiguration of newsrooms to enhance workflow and that:
“News operations’ websites – and not third-party platforms – must be the primary destinations for their audiences and communities because the money is where the article is viewed, watched and touched. Platforms must not be allowed to make money off the operators’ talents and initiatives”.
In his royal message, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, described the event as a special day.
“Today is a special day for those of us that are very close to the publisher of THE IMPACT. I am particularly very happy to be here to join other well-wishers to felicitate with him on today’s occasion” , the royal father stated.
He commended the guest lecturer for the well delivered paper and for being the rallying point for practitioners of community journalism in the state.
“I want to commend you for being the rallying point for being the rallying point for the community media in the state.
“I do not think that it has happened before but I notice that during your tenure, first as the Special Adviser on Communities and Communications and later as Commissioner for Information, you were able to bring together all the community-based newspaper publishers in the state”.
The royal father commended the guests present at the event, most of whom were participants on THE IMPACT online platform.
“For those of us that are on THE IMPACT Whatsap Chat platform, you will agree with me that some of us are seeing here today for the first time despite that we have been contributing to discourses online and I know the value that I attach to your comments and contributions. I commend you all”.
He advocated for the preservation of Yoruba language and challenged community media publishers to assist in this regard.
“We have been told that our language is gradually going into extinction and we have to do something about that by ensuring that the language is spoken in forum like this”, he appealed.
“Before, there used to be a Yoruba magazine called, ‘Atoka’, which has since been rested. We need to do more in publishing Yoruba magazines such as that.
“I want community publishers to look into that and find ways to address that. I thank everybody for coming and congratulate THE IMPACT for today’s programme and wish you well.”
Mr Ayodeji Iginla, former Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic, who was the Chairman of the occasion, commended the publisher for the paper’s reportorial activities, online presence and administration of its WhatsApp platform.
He stated that the paper has been discharging its duties of informing, entertaining and educating its readers.
On the theme and discussion on the maiden edition of the monthly Square Discourse introduced by THE IMPACT, Mr Iginla stated that:
“The topic for discussion is broad; things that concern Ikorodu Division; the rich culture and tradition of Ikorodu Division; the bad roads; the fact that Ikorod does not have a stadium; how the lagoon front can be improved and turned into a tourist resort.
“These and many others are what we are going to be discussing when we gather here every month. The monthly discourse will provide avenue for participants to discuss any part of Ikorodu division that is of interest to the readers of this community newspaper”, he added.
Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who was one of the special guests of honour, gave kudos to THE IMPACT on its 5th anniversary and for introducing monthly discourse in Ikorodu.
“Kudos to the organisers and all the participants for gathering here to discuss the way forward”.
He frowned at the way social media is being used by the youths and charged them to always have adequate information before commenting on issues.
“When you go onto the social media, you will weep for Ikordu because of the way our youths write and articulate their positions. It’s always abuses and criticisms that lack merit and portray the critics as people who do not know what they are criticizing”, he stated.
“Community journalism must be done in such a way that will show merit and dexterity” , he advised.
Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, former Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development and former Editor with Daily Times, in his own submission, stated that THE IMPACT has taken community journalism to another level.
“I am somebody that passionately reads THE IMPACT newspaper being published by Kunle Adelabu, especially its online version” , he stated.
“He has really taken community journalism to another level by its online media. I am not a fan of online media because it’s not controlled. As somebody that practiced journalism to the highest level as editor of Daily Times Group, I know journalist through and through and that’s why I have to come here today to identify with the publisher”, Prince Ogunleye added.
Aside reportorial activities, the former Commissioner also commended the social service impact of THE IMPACT’s publisher.
“I am in full support of what Kunle Adelabu is doing. We expect youths to start creating self-employment and offering same to others too.
“He has also done many social service works by taken up medical campaign for many with heath issues which are money-guzzling ailments by organizing fund raising to get them treated. This is really commendable”.
While also commending THE IMPACT for adhering to principles of journalism, Prince Ogunleye warned publishers using their medium to intimidate and harass to beware of the defamation law.
“The tenets of journalism which the publisher of THE IMPACT is adhering to is commendable. He is conforming with the 5 ‘Ws’’ and ‘H’ of the newsroom.
“I want to tell others that are using their papers to intimidate, harass and abuse that the law of defamation is there just in case they don’t know. They can be sued within six years of their action.
“Congratulations to THE IMPACT Group and I pray that you will continue to go from strength to strength.
Hon Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, in her submission was full of praises for the publisher of THE IMPACT.
“I want to come from the angle of gratitude for choosing Ikorodu because you could have decided to establish your paper elsewhere making so much money” , she stated.
“You are setting pace in achieving the campaign, ‘Ikorodu to the world’ , by adding value and expending your time and efforts.
“Today will be the beginning of your best years in journalism and that you have choosing Ikorodu for the establishment of your paper, your name will forever be written in gold.
“You are making history and you have created a niche in this industry, not just in Ikorodu but outside it.
“You have laboured so hard for Ikorodu because I can see your struggle most of the times. I hold you in high esteem, though, we are not always on the same side but I respect you dearly”.
Otunba Elesho, a former Commissioner for Information in Lagos State and the Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom, while commending THE IMPACT for its efforts in propagating and documenting events and values of Ikorodu , also pledged to give the paper maximum support.
“Let me give you firm assurances. We would support your newspaper. I would subscribe and possibly over subscribe so that the newsmagazine would not die and for the monthly discourse, I will always attend once I have the opportunity”.
Alhaji Monzor Olowosago, Publisher of the Oriwu Sun, also identifying with THE IMPACT and its publisher stated:
“I am here because of my love for the publisher despite my tight schedule”, he stated.
“I have spent 40 years in journalism without doing anything thing else and I thank God.
“Kunle (THE IMPACT publisher), once worked with me and there is no doubt that he is a good reporter, enterprising and a goal-getter”, he stated.
“As the patron of the publishers of community journalism in Nigeria, I have been encouraging the young ones because the real journalism practice is in the community journalism”.
Speaking on the theme of the lecture, Alhaji Olowosago expressed concerned over the infiltration of the profession by untrained people and inadequate adverts for the survival of community papers.
“The problem is how are we going to ensure that Journalism is properly run? Most of those venturing into it are not properly trained as journalists”, he stated.
“There were more than 10 community newspaper in Ikorodu when I started Oriwu Sun but today, they have all folded up, what was the reason? It was simply due to lack of advert patronages.
“This has also been the challenge confronting THE IMPACT. The paper would have been bigger than this if it has advert patronages.
“All over the world, no paper can survive without advert”.
In his words of advice to THE IMPACT publisher, Olowosago stated:
“You must be on the newsstand regularly even if it’s just 8 pages. That is how to make people know that you are in business”.
He frowned at covering political activities free. According to him, “Politicians seeking for coverage or publicity must pay for space.
“You can step on toes but don’t break them. You should always commend those that are responsible and call the irresponsible ones to order through your newspaper. This how you can be respected and make name for yourself”, he stated.
Barr. Saheed O. K. Shillings, former Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikorod branch, in his own remarks, also commended the paper.
“Five years anniversary, why are you rejoicing and celebrating when you are just starting?” he asked rhetorically.
“I must appreciate your courage. It means that you believe that you will get there, otherwise, you won’t celebrate anything. Congratulations on your audacity and I celebrate with you”.
He,however, challenged the publisher to continue building what will be a profitable venture.
“Today is not about money but about building an enduring future. You have no reason not to go far. You are on course.
“Ikorodu is not exactly a money-making community. I say that without any equivocation. We don’t pay, but Ikorodu provides an atmosphere for you to do well. Whatever that you do here would sell you to the outside world and we are just building Ikorodu together, when the profit would come, you will be one of those that will benefit. Ikorodu is a place that is growing and must grow because it is blessed by God. Those that are contributing to it must necessarily grow too”.
He also charged the publisher to be courageous in his reportorial duties.
“In legal parlance, you are not a lawyer yet until you can face your father in-law as a lawyer to his opponent and in journalism, if you cannot tell your father that you will write against him, you have not started”, he charged.
The mother of the day, Alhaja Abiodun Ogunniyi, Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, commended THE IMPACT and its publisher who is an alumni of Oriwu College , for making the school proud.
She was represented by Alhaja Olawunmi Nimota Adegoke, a counselor in Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu.
“This is a great effort by Mr Kunle Adelabu and we are very proud that he is a product of our great school, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu”, she commended.
“This is a career and we want you to extend your expertise to secondary schools because majority of our students are not knowledgeable enough to choose a career”, she appealed.
“This will make students learn more about Mass Communication as a course they can study. Nowadays, we don’t have much students in Humanity Class (Arts class) because they are all focusing on Science and Business Classes”, she lamented.
“We need you to speak with our students from-time-to-time.”
Dr Adeyemi Idowu, a medical practitioner and former member, Medical Advisory Committee to Gov. Fashola, SAN, in his own remarks, said that:
“It is important to celebrate Kunle today because I am privy to all that he went through in establishing THE IMPACT.
“He has been propagating Ikorodu brand”.
Mr Lanre Kuye, the Deputy Registrar, Information/Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Polytechnic, charged the publishers of community paper to innovate ways to gain financial independence.
“Honestly,I am not happy with the way we handle community journalism in this part of the world. The major factor confronting its development is finance”, he stated.
“Kunle, you are doing well but for you and others to survive in this business, you need to organize a financial roundtable among yourselves to find ways of survival in such a way that would not affect your reportage”, he advised.
“If you cannot attain financial independence except you want the highest bidder to always get space, then that is not too good. You need to go after adverts so that you can be independent and publish good news”.
Comrade Semiudeen Fasasi, Chairman, NASU, Lagos State Polytechnic chapter, while also commenting, stated:
“If journalism and news dissemination is about life, what the publisher of THE IMPACT has done today is to further give life.
“You shall forever live because IMPACT will outlive you”.
Mr Treasure Bayowa, the Guinness Book of World Record holder in Read Aloud Marathon, while lamenting the disruption in the use of social media, called for responsive and responsible journalism.
“Social media wields significant social influence. This further revealed why journalism is the fourth estate of the realm. This, for me, is an understatement.
“For us to have a developing society, we must have responsible and responsive journalism”, he stated.
Bayowa charged journalists in Ikorodu to always balance their news report and not be partisan.
“I have never seen a community in my life as political as Ikorodu, everywhere in Ikorodu, someone somewhere belongs to a particular caucus and everything that you say and post are being judged from that angle.
“This is why THE IMPACT and other news medium must stand in the middle to balance news. They should not be partisan and they should be responsible in the discharge of their duties.
“However, I have monitored THE IMPACT over the years and I can say kudos to Kunle (publisher of THE IMPACT).
“I was discussing with someone recently and he confirmed that THE IMPACT is the only platform that is not political. Please, continue in this path and don’t change”, he advised.
Reacting to the comment of THE IMPACT publisher that the paper has only achieved little above 20% of its target, Bayowa stated:
“Although, I don’t know your target since you said that you have only achieved 20% of your target, but for me, you are doing very well”.
Barr Lekan Ijelu commended the publisher for bringing people together to discuss issues and know themselves.
“I congratulate you for what you have done today by bringing different people, who are mostly contributors on THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform, together.
“Beyond this is that you have taken THE IMPACT from the pedestal of publication as a news print to float a discourse platform where everybody can participate physically and know one another. I think you have done wonderfully well.
“I urge you to keep up the good work”.
Mr Smart Oluwole Abejoye, a journalist and public analyst, while also contributing, stated that:
“I have always been an advocate of community newspaper and community development.
“Precisely, I have known Kunle Adelabu for over 20 years and I think that he’s doing well”.
He charged THE IMPACT to always beam its search light on the performances of the local councils in Ikorodu division .
“I think community newspapers have to start looking at how to develop local news content because that is the way to develop our local government”.
Alhaji Kola Akinsanya, sports administrator, safety ambassador and internationally recognised first aider, also commended THE IMPACT publisher for impacting on the community.
“While I have been impacting through sports, Kunle has been doing wonders in the journalism circle. He will be as big as the elephant in THE IMPACT logo”, he prayed.
“I want to thank Kunle for his effort in developing sports and other areas of Ikorodu division through reportage”.
Kunle Bada, the Publicity Secretary, Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), also charged THE IMPACT to encourage the usage of Yoruba language in its programmes and publications.
“Kunle (Publisher of THE IMPACT), you should try as much as possible to encourage Yoruba language in your events because it is going into extinction.
“You have been doing well but I am not here to praise you”, he stated.
“We have so many challenges in Ikorodu and we must look at ways to make use of THE IMPACT to bring notable people and other stakeholders together to discuss our challenges and proffer solutions to them.
“Let us use THE IMPACT newspaper to channel our positions and look for solutions to all these challenges”.
He then asked what the next plan of the paper is after its five years of existence.
“Five years anniversary, what next?”.
