The Management of Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) on Thursday held the 5th memorial lecture for the late General Manager of the station, Diji Akinhanmi, a ceremony held at the corporation’s headquarters located at Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ibara, Abeokuta.
Penpushing reports that the memorial lecture with the topic attracted presence of the deceased family, his colleagues which include media executives among them, Dr Niran Malaolu (Chief Executive Officer, Rockcity F.M radio), Dr Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (Founder Penpushing Media), Dr Yemisi Bamgbose(Executive Secretary Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria) and Kehinde Onasanya(Ogun State Head of Service)
The other dignitaries include Chief Jare Dada (Former General Manager Ogun State Television), Hon Kayode Akinmade(Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication, represented by Alhaja Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf, a Director Ministry of Information) ,Alhaji Waheed Adesina(Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy) and Ola Animasaun(Public Commentator)
Penpushing further reports that others were Prof Jendele Hungbo of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, who was the guest lecturer, Biodun Bello (Veteran Broadcast Journalist), Dare Folarin (Former Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Gbenga Daniel), Kayode Bello (Veteran journalist), Dr Demolu Okunneye(Veteran Journalist and Lecturer of Mass Chrisland University ) Abiodun Alabi(Deputy General Manager Ogun State Television), Dada Olanipekun(Publisher Prestige Newspapers), Sesan Bankole(Veteran Photo Journalist), Dara Adebimpe, Veteran journalist), Kunle Oluwusi(Veteran Journalist)and Engr Tokunbo Odebunmi among others
The ceremony served as platform for eulogizing the good work credited to the deceased as attested to by number of guests who spoke, while the veteran Ewi exponent Bunmi Aiyelagbe added glamour rendering praises of the late General Manager
Penpushing also reports that the Ogun State Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya in his remarks described Akinhanmi as a quintessential personality of immense stature whose contributions to journalism, broadcasting and media management in Ogun State and beyond remain indelible.
‘His remarkable life and enduring legacy have yet again brought us together today in his honour. It is impossible to talk about journalism and media excellence in Ogun State without mentioning Diji Akinhanmi. He was not just a broadcaster par excellence but also a seasoned media practitioner whose professionalism and research-based reportage distinguished him among his peers’, Onasanya stated.
Penpushing reports that Onasanya recalled that the deceased journey in journalism began at the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) before he moved to the news department of Ogun State Television (OGTV) where he rose to become the Assistant General Manager, News and Current Affairs.
‘However, his return to OGBC marked a defining moment in his career, as he was appointed the General Manager, a role he held exemplarily until his passing. Beyond his professional achievements, Diji’s golden voice and distinct baritone made him a household name, particularly during his time as a reporter at the Governor’s Office Press (fondly called ‘Baritone Voice Reporter’). His ability to blend deep research with impeccable storytelling’, he stated
Penpushing further reports that Onasanya, who is also a veteran journalist pointed out that Akinhanmi’s reports compelling and impactful, and that, his impact went far beyond the microphone, adding that he was a man of great intellect, a socialite and a committed unionist, was deeply passionate about his profession and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
‘His in-depth reportorial acumen, constructive engagements during Exco meetings at Iwe Iroyin and commitment to ethical journalism left an enduring mark on the industry. The contributions of Late Diji extended beyond journalism to leadership within the NUJ where we both served in the Exco’, Onasanya added
Penpushing also reports that General Manager of the station, Mrs Toyin Sogbesan, in her remarks stated that the annual memorial lecture was not only a tribute to the legacy of the impact of the deceased but equally an avenue to remember his relentless at developing the station.
Meanwhile, responding on behalf of the deceased family, Dr Akin Akinhanmi , expressed appreciation to management of the station for sustaining the annual lecture which according to him has contributed greatly to the media profession.
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