Fawaz Adebisi
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo, has called on radio stations, newspapers, and other media outlets to use their platforms responsibly, promoting unity, peace, and good governance rather than amplifying divisive voices or enabling corrupt leadership.
Oba Adedotun made the remarks during a visit to Zents FM 90.9 FM in Obantoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he commended the station’s management and staff for their commitment to community broadcasting.
The station which was commissioned in 2024 by the monarch was said to have made positive impacts in the last two years of its operations.
The Alake in his remarks said “Radio stations like newspapers are expected to promote unity, to promote people belonging to one another without throwing people out of the community.
“You have a great responsibility to promote peace and good governance, not a bad government that just comes out and takes away all the resources of the people.”
He further noted that fostering unity among the four Egba clans was one of his earliest priorities upon ascending the throne, stressing that a strong community is built on cohesion.
“When we are united, we are strong. When we are divided, we are very weak,” he said.
The royal father also praised the radio station for its role in keeping the Egba community informed, recalling that Abeokuta holds a historic distinction as the birthplace of the first newspaper in Nigeria.
“It is very important that people within the same community know what is happening,” he said.
During the visit, Oba Gbadebo was briefed on recent storm damage that brought down the station’s mast, which initially brought the monarch to the radio station.
While reacting to the incident, Alake said thankfully, the fall didn’t affect nearby properties as he expressed relief that no staff or neighbour was injured, encouraging the management to rebuild stronger infrastructure.
The General Manager,Mr. Kola Adeleye and the Consultant of the station, Chief Festus Kehinde, in their remarks, assured that repairs were already underway and that the station expected to resume a full transmission shortly.
The Alake also promised to return for a formal interview session, describing that as “the essence of having a radio station.”
In a goodwill message delivered remotely by the station’s Chief Executive Officer, Kunle Sowunmi, he gave assurances that Zents 90.9 FM would continue to serve the economic and social development of Egbaland, noting that the station had already taken over 20 people off the unemployment market.
The visit was attended by Consultant of the station, General Manager and other senior management, board members, and staff of the station, as well as traditional title holders and community stakeholders.
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