By Seyi Opeyemi
It is another period for a decision to be made in Lagos, especially as it regards the General Manager position of the Lagos Television, and such calls for strategic and thorough consideration of issues and personalities to be engaged into such office, considering where the state is presently and where it is heading towards, especially when we also consider the fact that image is a significant factor for a city – state like Lagos which is the most populous city in Africa.
The mega city is also the economic, financial, cultural and entertainment capital of Africa, with great influence on commerce, entertainment, ICT, education, politics, tourism, migration and entertainment. Since all these formed the agenda of Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo – Olu’s T.H.E.S.E agenda in his first term, and T.H.E.S.E Plus for his second term which is about two months old, it is thus very important for the state manager to consciously and carefully consider professionalism, fitness, exposure and popularity of whoever is going to steer the affairs of the information/broadcasting arm of the state.
It is on this premise that it is important that a seasoned professional with in-depth knowledge in journalism, media management, public relations, staff management and an informed knowledge of what is happening within the government circle, is chosen to not only manage the establishment, but also be the face of the broadcast institution. All these attributes are embedded in Mrs Sola Kosoko who is a trained journalist/broadcaster, and has practiced the noble profession all her life.
It is no doubt that LTV, is in dire need of not just a professional broadcaster to manage its affairs, which will be in tandem with the law and global standard, but also a good administrator to bring back the station from the brink and place it on the path of reference and high standard, and assist the government in projecting its activities and the state in creating good image.
Thus, the decision to make Kosoko the acting General Manager of the state – owned TV, by the Governor, is not only commendable, but one in good direction and will go a long way in turning around LTV, and set it on the path of greatness and a leading broadcast station, not just in Nigeria, but African continent. This should be sustained by confirming her to perform in full capacity, not only because of her professionalism, but her popularity among the staff and knowledge of the workings of the government.
Going by her different positions held over the years, Sola Kosoko is not just a presenter whose face is known to millions of Lagosians, she has also handled issues pertaining to staff, and this make her an informed administrator. In addition, she is always on the field as a compere, ceremony manager, anchor and programme director for the government, private individuals, corporate bodies and others. Who then is fit and qualified to be the face of the LTV, if not Sola Kosoko?
Her performance within the short period as the acting GM, especially in the area of staff management and welfare, is a pointer to what she can offer the LTV and Lagos State in general, when given the position in substantive capacity.
Her professionalism and managerial competence were attested to by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) LTV chapel.
The Chairman of the chapel, Olumide Ojo, recently in a statement, said that:
“We also want to categorically state that Mrs Sola Kosoko is a seasoned Journalist/broadcaster , with vast experience spanning over 25 years , working under the best in the industry”.
“As a matter of fact, if it pleases Mr Governor to appoint her as the next General Manager of Lagos Television, members of staff will be more than happy to cooperate with her to rekindle the dwindling fortunes of the first state – owned television which is the official mouthpiece of Lagos State, the state of excellence”, the statement added.
Kosoko, a broadcaster per excellence, started her broadcasting career around 1998, with the Radio Lagos/Eko FM, as an on-air presenter.
She was selected, after an audition, to become the new ‘Face of Lagos State Television’, and this changed the looks and feels of the station, and made it the toast of everyone during the era of Mr Jimi Odumosu, the then the General Manager who introduced the idea and consequently searched for a face and talent for the TV station. Adesola Kosoko became the face of Lagos Television, and ran the station’s flagship program, ‘AM Saturday live’, successfully.
After spending some years in the radio station, she crossed over to the Lagos Television, in 2001.
Adesola Kosoko led a team of female team to anchor the most watched programme on LTV, ‘Edition 12’, which ushered in the era of talk shows in the television station. She has also anchored over 15 flagship talk shows for LTV, and has read the flagship news on Prime Time.
The veteran broadcaster has also headed all the production and content directorates of Lagos State Television during her 25 years in LTV, which makes her the most experienced person that has served in all of the departments and directorates of Lagos State Television Station. She is one of the most senior directors in the station.
Adesola Kosoko is an experienced sight/ground reporter, on – air television presenter, an indepth script writer, an editor/motion picture analyst, an eloquent master of ceremony and a proficient team leader per excellence with television and radio broadcasting experience.
Seyi Opeyemi, for the Concerned Friends of LTV.
