Lifestyle

We need devolution of power, resources in Nigeria – Dr Farounbi

By Web News 388

By Blessing Okareh

A veteran journalist, Dr Yemi Farounbi has advocated devolution of power and resources to states and local governments for a more prosperous nation.

Dr Farounbi stated this while featuring on the Independence Edition of Straight Talk, an interview programme on Radio Nigeria’s Premier FM 93.5.

He explained that critical sectors of the economy like security, health, education and agriculture should be completely decentralized and each state allowed managing the sectors according to its cultural peculiarities.

Dr Farounbi also called for a re-orientation of Nigerians, to restore lost confidence in the country.

He urged Nigerians to patronize locally made goods to grow the nation’s economy and invest more in the economy rather than seeking greener pastures abroad.

The veteran, who is also a diplomat, however, lauded the intelligence, resilience and doggedness of Nigerians, while calling for political reforms to reposition the nation’s democracy.

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Lifestyle

Anike Agbaje-Williams was a boss who sought the progress of her subordinates – Dr. Farounbi

By Web News 284

By Jeffrey Ahonmisi

Former Nigerian ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi says the late Chief Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams will always be remembered as a broadcast professional who sought the growth of her subordinates.

Dr Farounbi stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Ibadan.

The veteran journalist, broadcaster, and alumni of Western Nigeria Television, WNTV, maintained that late Chief Mrs Agbaje-Williams was a thorough manager who mentored a lot of broadcasters to greatness.

Dr Farounbi noted that even when she retired, she continued to provide guidance and support to her mentees.

He said he had the privilege of working with Mrs Agbaje-Williams until 1976 when she moved from WNTV to Radio OYO/BCOS as a Director of Programmes.

Also reacting to the demise of the media icon, a public affairs analyst, Mr Jide Ojo said the death of Chief Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams was a sad loss to Nigeria and the media world.

Mr Ojo urged the federal government to immortalise the late icon for her exemplary work in the media profession.

Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams, née Kuforiji, was a pioneer staff of WNTV, which was the first television station in Africa.

She rose to become a producer and Director of programmes at the television station before retiring in 1986.

Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams passed away on Wednesday, 26th February 2025, at 88 years old in Ibadan, where she lived for most of her life.

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Lifestyle

Nigeria’s aged need more attention – Dr Farounbi

By Web News 529

It is very important to provide initiatives that are centred on catering for the well-being of the retired, aged and ageing citizens across the country.

A former Zonal Director, Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Ibadan, Mrs Elizabeth Aina-Scott stated this during the dedication service and inauguration of Hebron Love Centre at Irepodun Crescent, off Ashi Road, Bashorun Ibadan.

  • President and Founder of Hebron Love Centre, Mrs Elizabeth Aina-Scott (r) during the inauguration
  • A ccross-section of attendees at the event
  • Some of the aged people in attendance at the event

Mrs Aina-Scott who is also the President and Founder of Hebron Love Centre explained that it was established to complement government’s efforts at meeting the needs of the elderly.
She noted that God revealed the initiative to her in the year 2000 though she rejected it but the vision was finally confirmed to her through a highly respected man of God.

Speaking on the topic, “Grace of His glory”, Reverend Sola Kolade of the Vine Branch Church, was of the opinion that the aged ones deserve attention and care because they gave their all for the young ones to become successful in life.

Reverend Kolade urged government at all levels to do more in providing facilities for the care of the aged.

In an interview, a former General Manager of NTA Ibadan, Dr Yemi Faronbi, opined that issues centering on ageing were receiving global attention stressing that there was the need for Nigeria to key into this global move.

Declaring Hebron Centre open, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Grace Ojerinde enjoined well-meaning Nigerians, Non Government Organisations, NGOs, not to relent in their effort in caring for the elderly.

The newly inaugurated facility consists of twenty rooms, executive apartment where families can stay and some other facilities for relaxation.

The programme had in attendance people from all walks of life.

Highlights of the programme included dance presentation and prayers.

Blessing Adesanya

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Lifestyle

BCOS 40th Anniversary: Media Professionals Must Ensure Balanced Reportage – Dotun Oyelade

By Web News 1469

Media professionals have been encouraged to sustain professional standard so as to overcome the challenges created by social media.

The Executive Chairman, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, Prince Dotun Oyelade stated this while addressing newsmen as part of the activities marking the 40th anniversary of BCOS.

Prince Oyelade explained that the problem of fake news being peddled by the new media was not peculiar to Nigeria alone saying conventional media must continue to set the pace through the transmission of balanced, accurate and objective reportage of events.

Speaking on the 40th anniversary of BCOS Prince Oyelade said the media outfits established in 1982 as Television Service of Oyo State, TSOS, had not only survived different political manipulations in the state but had also triggered the emergence of other state-owned media.

The BCOS executive chairman who commended the vision of Late Chief Bola Ige for creating a conducive working environment for the state media to operate in its formative years said the establishment of the media outfit followed the discovery of the potent power of television in influencing and moulding people’s opinion.

The BCOS boss while commending Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state for funding the media organization said the media outfit would not handle the training and retraining of staff with levity.

In their separate remarks, former Nigeria’s ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi, former director of Engineering, BCOS, Alhaji Lateef Busari and the former secretary to oyo state government, Mr Bisi Adesola encouraged BCOS staff to keep the vision and broadcast policy of the station alive irrespective of the prevailing condition within which it operates.

Among series of activities lined up for the 40th anniversary of the station include BCOS beauty pageantry, coming up last week in March, children funfair, May 27. 

Other events include walk and Kumar prayer slated for Friday, May 27, traditional prayer May 28th and Church thanksgiving service at the Saint James Cathedral, Oke Bola. On the 29th of May this year.

The 40th anniversary will also feature a special lecture.

Rotimi Famakin