By Bukola Hameed
Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN has been charged to be more alive to its responsibilities through regular reactions to
current issues to bring desired changes.
The Chairman, Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamsat made the call while playing host to executives and members of MMPN, Oyo State Chapter that paid a courtesy visit to the station.
He said the more the Association reacts to state and national issues, the more it will be a force to reckon with stressing that the present situation in the country calls for continuous reactions to ensure the authorities take proactive steps for the country to be at peace.
The Agidigbo FM Chairman harped on the need for MMPN to intensify efforts on membership drive and also preach religious tolerance to aid peaceful co-existence in various communities.
Alhaji Oriyomi while appreciating members of the organisation for the visit assured them of active collaboration.
” It is a thing of joy to receive Muslim Media Practitioners today, in which I belong . Let me say that we have not been doing much when it comes to responding to vital issues in the country”.
” As Muslim Media Practitioners , you have to contribute actively to the development of the country, speak out on vital issues, particularly, when there is no election, so that during electioneering, people won’t see you as agents of political gladiators”.
” I am very much with you and appreciate the organization for being there during the trying period . Let me say categorical that Agidigbo FM will have a branch and we are ready to be part of activities of MMPN at the state level” He added.
Earlier, Chairman, MMPN Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi lauded the station for its creativity and people centred programmes which has made it to be having more listeners every day.
“We have been following Agidigbo FM since it was an online radio, even during a test transmission as it metamorphosed to terrestrial broadcasting station and now that the full operation has commenced and truly, it’s people’s voice in line with the slogan of the station. No doubt, Agidigbo FM is a radio of the people , by the people and for the people.
You are parading the best hands in the profession and the creativity behind your programmes is awesome. It’s hope that the trend will continue and our prayer is that the station will continue to wax stronger”.
Alhaji Fasasi enjoined the station to place more emphasis on professionalism and should not allow commercialization to dictate its tune.
“Agidigbo FM should be a model of private station that will not sacrifice public service in the altar of commercialization. Let the station strike a balance between professionalism and commercialization. The two should be taken as important for survival of the station”.
The MMPN Chairman noted that MMPN was ready to collaborate with the station in different areas for the benefit of the people.
“As you are aware, we have competent and experienced hands in the areas of journalism, programming and other non- contents fields of the profession and we are ready to offer the services for the advancement of the station.
We will also appreciate adequate publicity for our activities. The door of MMPN is at the same time open for any collaboration for the benefits of the two parties as well as humanity”.
Alhaji Fasasi urged the Chairman of Agidigbo FM to participate actively in the programmes of MMPN and encourage the Muslim staff to be members.
“Seeing someone like you regularly in our midst will inspire more members to be coming, as a result, your seat in MMPN, the Association which was co-established by your elder brother, Alhaji Kunle Hamsat of the blessed memory is still vacant”.
“It will be a great joy too if you encourage Muslims among the staff here to be attending our programmes. In fact, it will be a pleasure if Agidigbo FM becomes the first private station in Oyo State to be registered as a branch”.