Paper Presentation at ACSPN Conference Abeokuta

With my interest in social-economic and political spheres, policy conception, development and implementation, I presented two papers co-authored with Wunmi Olasehinde-Fayomi (MAPOLY), Femi Akintayo (BABCOCK University) and Olabisi Onabanjo University’s duo Leke Adeniyi and Jolaoso Adetomi

This was at the 6th Annual Conference of Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) held recently in Abeokuta. The gathering of town and gown converged on the state capital in commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of Iwe Irohin Newspaper birthed by the activities of Presbyterian Missionary.

At the two days event, I met again with our grandfather in communication scholarship, Nigeria’s Communication Giant and Scholar, Prof. Lai Oso of Lagos State University.

The first paper underscored the importance of proper implementation of Nigeria’s communication policy in driving the country’s development. In the presentation/paper, we canvassed for a single policy paper – an improvement to the result of first conference convened for the same purpose in 1987.

This means, a new national communication policy conference must be urgently called. Beyond this, implementation must be driven at various levels. We believe communication is very essential in driving #Change, #NextLevel or any other agenda, if result is key.

Noting the wide acceptability of internet, smart phones and other communication gadgets, the second paper evaluated how the radio medium can be used in improving the knowledge base of Nigerian youth, with a focus on “Total Mode Turn Over (TMTO)” on OGBC and “The Podium” on Sweet FM.

We found that majority of young people in Ogun State are detached from the radio medium and prefer social media. Hence, they miss the great lessons the two radio programmes offer.

It’s our opinion that the radio programmes studied, though quite interesting and relative, must tap into the LIVE VIDEO BROADCAST function of social media platforms to reach those in the youth group. We also made a case for the need to spice up these programmes to attract the upwardly mobile generation who are mostly entertainment freak.

Radio, with its rich programme content, will continue to enjoy wide listernship across the world.

Again, we move as I rise 😊

-MM