Bolaji Obabiyi (Intern)
The management and staff of Sweet FM Radio station, first entrepreneurship broadcasting station based in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital on Thursday rolled out drums to celebrate one decade of the station, which attracted number of guests within and outside the town.
Penpushing reports that the colourful ceremony was held at the hall of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) located opposite Moshood Abiola Sports Arena along the Presidential Boulevard, Abeokuta.
The staffers of the station led by the proprietor Senator Gbenga Obadara and Executive Director, Sir Eddy Aina could not hold back their joy to celebrate successful journey of the station since commencement of its operations ten years ago.
Penpushing further reports that media practitioners which include Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (Founder Penpushing Media), Dele Ayodo, Otunba Dare Onafowokan as well as large number of ardent listeners of the station were not left out to join the station in the milestone celebration
The professional bodies in attendance include members of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), while the staffers of the station in Ankara fabrics known as Aso-Ebi took to the centre stage to equally exhibited their dancing skills as music band on stage added glamour to the events
Penpushing also reports that, the celebration highlighted the station’s decade-long journey in broadcasting, its contributions to information dissemination, and the challenges facing the media industry in Nigeria.
The proprietor of the station in his speech expressed gratitude to God and all supporters for sustaining the organisation over the past ten years, describing the journey as fulfilling, noting that the years had passed quickly due to the station’s commitment and growth.
“I am extremely happy and grateful to God for what He has done for us. Ten years now feels like just two or three years. I appreciate all our supporters, especially the Managing Director, Mr. Eddy Aina, whose mentorship has been a blessing to this company and my generation’, he said.
Penpushing reports that Obadara commended both past and present staff members for their dedication, assuring that the station would continue to grow and expand its impact, stressing that the station remains committed to promoting entrepreneurship and supporting societal development, particularly in the area of women empowerment.
“We are an entrepreneurship station. We will continue supporting development, especially women development, and we will not relent’, Obadara emphasised.
Penpushing further reports that, the Executive Director of the station, Eddy Aina in his address, reflected on the significance of the station’s 10-year milestone, describing it as a symbol of resilience in a challenging broadcasting environment.
The veteran journalist noted that despite operating in a highly competitive industry with over 800 broadcast stations in Nigeria, coupled with economic challenges, high operational costs, and shortage of skilled personnel, Sweet FM has remained steadfast.
Penpushing also reports that Aina, however, raised concerns about the state of the broadcasting industry in Nigeria, calling for urgent government intervention to support struggling media organisations.
The former Director of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) pointed out that many stations are currently facing severe financial difficulties, with some shutting down operations early due to rising energy costs and other economic pressures.
“The broadcasting industry is growing rapidly, but the question is, are we doing it right? Many stations are either struggling to survive or have already gone under. There is a need for government to step in and support the industry,” he said.
Penpushing reports that Aina cited examples from developed countries where governments provided support to industries during crises, urging Nigerian authorities to adopt similar measures to prevent further decline in the media sector.
The Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Joseph Olalekan, commended Sweet FM for its professionalism and contribution to the media landscape in Ogun State and Nigeria at large, describing the station as a credible alternative to government-owned media, noting its unbiased reporting and quality programming since its establishment on February 1, 2016.
“Sweet FM has distinguished itself with good programmes, credible news, and wide audience reach. The station has maintained professionalism in disseminating information to the public,” he said.
Penpushing further reports that Olalekan equally applauded the management and staff, particularly the General Manager, Mr. Eddy Aina, for the dedication and leadership quality, and urged the station to sustain its standards and continue playing a vital role in informing the public, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
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