Kunle Adelabu
It was prayer and commendation galore for Hon. Babajimi Benson, the representative of the lkorodu division at the Federal House of Representatives, and his new initiative, IKD 106.1FM, today, Saturday, March 20,2021, when His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, led other Obas in the division to the pre – commissioning royal prayer/appearance on air at the radio station.
Reliable sources hinted THE IMPACT that the station will be officially commissioned by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu who will be paying his official visit to Ikorodu soon.
The station is located within the Hon. Babajimi Benson Constituency Office, Plot 48, Ebute-Igbogbo Road, Ikorodu, Lagos.
Other Obas in attendance were His Royal Majesties Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Bashir Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo and Oba David Raji Balogun, the Eweye of lsiwu.
Equally in the royal entourage were High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN, the Odofin of Ikorodu, and a host of other traditional Chiefs and Baales.
The monarchs and other guests were welcomed to the radio station by the founder of the radio station, Rep. Benson and the General Manager of the station, Mr Adeniyi Taiwo Kunnu.
At exactly 12.11pm, the GM ushered the royal august visitors into the station’s facility.
The community radio station officially commenced transmission on Sunday, March 7, 2021, while THE IMPACT was the only news medium on ground to witness the opening.
In his remarks at the visit, Oba Shotobi commended Rep. Benson for towing the path laid by his late uncle and former Minister for Communications, Chief TOS Benson, SAN, who facilitated the Voice of Nigeria (VON) to Ikorodu.
He said that the station will create opportunities for young Ikorodu sons and daughters, especially those that studied journalism.
“I am proud that Babajimi Benson has brought about this initiative and created healthy rivalry with existing radio stations in Ikorodu some of which were started by Ikorodu sons. This is good for our development.
“He is following in the footsteps of his forebears in the Benson family in information management, especially TOS Benson who was a major player in facilitation of Voice of Nigeria to Ikorodu.
“This is not a business venture for Benson, but an initiative to create opportunities for youths and graduates in Ikorodu and also propagate the town”.
Oba Shotobi charged staff of the station to ensure that the broadcasting firm is well managed and that local contents is given special attention.
“You have been given opportunities to work here and you must ensure that the facilities are properly managed. You must also be mindful of local contents”, Oba Shotobi charged.
In his own royal remarks, Oba Agoro described the establishment of the radio station as an addition to the rapid developments that Ikorodu has been witnessing since the time of TOS Benson and his contemporaries.
Oba Agoro, who sang a special song in praise of Rep. Benson, commended the lawmaker for using his good office to further his good work of developing Ikorodu.
“TOS Benson alongside the likes of Gbadamosi, Ogunsanya and others led the way for Ikorodu rapid civilization and urbanization. It was because of them that Ikorodu became what it is today.
“Hon Benson has continued in their footsteps and has taken Ikorodu to higher height. He’s just starting his good work”.
The revered royal father stated that the IKD 106.6FM is owned by lkorodu and prayed for its success.
“This is our own radio station and it will continue to grow.
“Babajimi Benson is a wonderful representative and son”.
Oba Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, in his own submission, said that IKD 106.1 has taken over in the division.
“I was at an event where people were talking about the impact of the IKD station. The radio station has taken over and it must serve every part of the division”, the royal father charged.
“Ensure that you explore every opportunity available in Ikorodu division and it wider coverage before venturing out”.
The Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Ogunsanya, in his own remarks, re- echoed that Rep. Benson is following in the path laid by the likes of TOS Benson and other leaders that started the development of Ikorodu and also prayed for the sustainability of the station.
Other Obas in their respective remarks equally commended Rep. Benson and prayed for the success of the radio station.
Earlier, the General Manager of IKD 106.1FM, Mr Adeniyi Taiwo Kunnu, while welcoming the monarchs, said that royal fathers were invited to give their blessings and approval for the commencement of operations by station because they are the owners of the land.
“There is absolutely nothing that we can do without seeking permission and prayers from our royal fathers who own the land.
“Today is a great and happy day for Ikorodu and we are pleased to have you here to give your royal blessings.
“The station is all about the propagation of Ikorodu to the outside world. We officially went on the air last Sunday and we are reaching our audience in four languages – Yoruba, English, Pidgin English as well as Ijebu dialect.
“English language is part of the languages that we are using to reach our vast audience because Ikorodu is now a metropolitan city with influx of people from diverse background and there is need to carry them along in our activities and that is why English, as a general language, is being used”, the GM explained to royal fathers.
He pleaded for inputs, observations and corrections from the royal fathers regarding their contents.
Other guests on ground during the royal visit were Mrs Jumoke Benson, wife of Rep. Benson, Mr Oluwatoyin Gafaar Bolowotan, the Director – General, Lagos State Sports Commission and Mr Yommy Shopitan, Executive Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Maritime among others.
