An Ibadan based internet radio, Carnival Radio, has marked its second anniversary with a public lecture and cash donations of ₦100,000 each to 17 veteran journalists, amounting to ₦1.7 million, in recognition of their meritorious contributions to the growth of journalism in Oyo State.
The anniversary ceremony, held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, also featured a lecture on the theme, “Best Time of Drug Administration,” delivered by Professor Gbola Olayiwola.
The event attracted veteran journalists, media practitioners, NUJ leaders, personalities and other well-wishers from different walks of life.
Speaking on behalf of the Founder and Chairman of Carnival Media Limited, Ibadan, Mr. Kamoru Ademola Bakare, the General Manager of Carnival Radio, Alhaji Jare Bamidele, said the celebration was not only organised to commemorate the organisation’s second anniversary but also to put smiles on the faces of veteran journalists who had over the years immensely sharpened the profession.
Bakare, attributed the growth and progress of Canival Radio, a subsidiary of Carnival Media Limited since its establishment two years ago as a testament of God’s grace.
He said the media organisation had continued to make its mark through scintillating programmes, current affairs and captivating news, adding that the organisation had remained committed to contributing positively to society.
According to him, Carnival Media Limited had also served professional breeding haven for corps members, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) students to acquire practical experience.
He said the organisation’s partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other media-related institutions had enabled young trainees to showcase their talents while also receiving stipends.
The founder, disclosed that Carnival Media Limited was still pursuing a terrestrial broadcasting licence to expand its operations into frequency modulation while appealing to the Federal Ministry of Information and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to give favourable consideration to the organisation’s application for a licence, which he said had been submitted for more than a year to enable it carry out it’smandate optimally.
In his address, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Oyo State Council, Mr. Akeem Abas, commended Carnival Radio for sustaining the initiative of supporting and honouring veteran journalists.
Abas said, expressed delight that the organisation had sustained the programme after witnessing its maiden edition, noting that the continuity demonstrated Carnival Radio’s recognition of the contributions of journalists who laid the foundation for the profession and the union.
He described veteran journalists as leaders, teachers, fathers and role models whose sacrifices, professionalism and commitment helped to build journalism and strengthen the NUJ in Oyo State.
“Our veterans deserve more than occasional recognition.They deserve our respect, appreciation and continued inclusion in the affairs of the union,” Abas said.
He assured that the present leadership of the NUJ Oyo State Council remained committed to carrying veteran journalists along and preserving their legacy.
The NUJ chairman described the cash donation by Carnival Radio as more than material assistance, saying it represented dignity, recognition and a sense of belonging for journalists who devoted their productive years to the profession.
The 17 beneficiaries of the ₦100,000 cash donations included Dr. Adekunle, Alagba Bamiji Ojo, Mrs. Shade Haastrup, Mr. Agboola Sanni, Mr. T. Akingbade, Prince Sola Oyegbemi, Mr. Layi Agbaje and Mr. Gbenga Nadi.
Others were Mr. Sola Osotoye, the family of late Mr. Dipo Ogunsola, Mr. Adewole Adebiyi, veteran photojournalist Mr. Emma Ogunyale, Mr. Yisa Murana, Alhaji Moshood Olawale, Prince Oloyede, photojournalist Mr. Oladejo Idris and Prophet Yomi Akintade.
Delivering the anniversary lecture, Prof. Olayiwola, Director of Family Health and Development Initiative, who spoke on the theme, “Best Time of Drug Administration,” enlightened participants on the importance of appropriate timing in the use and administration of medications.
He enjoined the participants to stop indiscriminate use of anti-inflammatory drugs so as not to get down with ulcer and cancer.
