By Yetunde Oke
Stakeholders have again reiterated the important role the media play in national development and in deepening democracy.
The various stakeholders made this known at the 8th edition of National Broadcasting Commission, NBC and Yemi Sonde’s Broadcast Media Stakeholders’ Forum, with the theme, “The Role of Mass Media in National Development”, held in Ibadan.
Speaking on the theme, the Director General of NBC, Mr Charles Ebuebu, represented by the Commission’s Director Broadcasting Monitoring, Mrs Francisca Aiyetan, said the evolvement of the media from mainstream to social media, has further enhanced national development.
Mr Ebuebu added that NBC is not after the downfall of any media organisation, but only performing its duties as a regulator in order to promote professionalism.
On his part, one of the discussants at the forum, a Professor of History/Peace Studies at University of Ibadan, Isaac Albert who spoke on the topic “Social Media and National Security, Any Correlation?” said social media is a double edged sword which can strengthen or disrupt national peace.
Professor Albert added that if the social media must be regulated, the government must enable the NBC and the mainstream media, especially by giving first hand information to the traditional media before social media handlers get hold of such information.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Co-Convener of the forum, Yemi Sonde, appreciated all stakeholders’ who have been supporting the effectiveness of the media in nation development.
Highlights of the event include paper presentations on topics such as “The Mass Media as a Tool for Public Enlightenment” and “Impact of Mass Media in Deepening Democratic Culture in Nigeria”.
Media stakeholders and dignitaries present at the event include, Oyo State Police Command, Oyo State Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Governor Seyi Makinde represented by the Commissioner for Communication, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Maye Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oloye Agba Lekan Alabi as the chairman of the event, Pensioners FM General Manager, Dr Babatunde Tiamiyu represented by the Head of Editorial Unit, Miss Yetunde Oke.
