The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade revealed that the recent proliferation of radio stations in Oyo state is a quintessential example of the impact of good governance on the socio- economic parameters of the State.
Oyelade who made the revelation at the NBC/Yemi Sonde Media Stakeholders Forum at the University of Ibadan on Thursday said aside Lagos, Rivers and the FCT Abuja, no other state in Nigeria boasts of a cluster of 51 stations with about half springing up in the past four years as is the case in the present Oyo state.
The Commissioner affirmed that Oyo state economy is receiving a boost through the aviation and hospitality businesses due to the foresight of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Oyelade said further that in the past three years, the number of airlines taking off and landing at the Ibadan airport has increased from one to three, the latest being Airpeace and Green Africa that were established in the past two years due to personal intervention of the governor.
He stated that the opening up of other housing estates across the zones in the state over the past four years, made many estate developers thronging the state to take advantage of the easy-to-obtain certificate of occupancy within 60 days in Oyo state.
National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Director-General, Charles Ebuebu in his speech, extended his warm greeting to stakeholders in the broadcast industry.
He recognized Ibadan being the origin of broadcasting, saying the city hold the praises why the nation boasts of 777 broadcast stations made up of 168 Television stations and 509 Radio stations.
The DG, underscoring the Role of Mass Mass Media in National Development said this can not be overemphasized, cited the example of the Commissioner who used the opportunity of the media present at the venue to exploit the Governor’s developmental thrives in Oyo state.
Mrs Franca Aiyetan ably representing the DG said media play a strategy role in repositioning and holding the Government accountable by letting them know where, what and how things are being done to how it should be done properly for the benefit of the people.
Earlier, the co-convener, Yemi Sonde in his welcome address said conversations on issues of the public interest are generated amongst the people from time to time by the mass media which is done through their core duties of informing, educating and entertaining their audience.
He added that as the fourth estate of the realm, the media exert huge amount of influence on the people as they help mould public opinions, attitudes and or behaviors capable of driving development in every sphere of the nation’s life which cut across the political, economic, social among others.
Yemi Sonde expressed gratitude to all special guests, the participants, media partners and hailed the efforts of organising committee members who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the of the event, and also recognized the staff members of 101.7 Yes FM for their wonderful contribution.
Present at this gathering are media icons and scholars with the presentation of papers on the subject matter of the day which is the theme: “The Role of Mass Media in National Development”, the panels of discussants to analyze and make contribution to the discussion.