Lagos state ministry of local government rekindles relationship with community media practitioners
The Association of Practitioners of Community Media in Nigeria led by its National President, Abayomi Adejumo paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs in Lagos State. This is one of the multi-prong approach to strengthen synergy with critical stakeholders in advancing the community media practice in Nigeria.
The APCOM executives were received by the Special Adviser on Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert (Bibiire) alongside the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa.
The Special Adviser in his remarks said, “I feel elated to have you here on this visit as Community Media practitioners in our various communities across the State and also commend you for your positive reportage of all the programmes and activities of the administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu across all the nooks and crannies of the State.”
He went on to commend the Association for being a formidable partner of the present administration in Lagos State. He also admitted that previous administrations have continuously partnered with the association on various programmes such as retreat previously held for this association.
Adejumo in his response admitted that the interaction have created an effective communication window for a people-focused disemmination of information between the government and its communities.
He also appreciated the support the ministry have given over the years, which has effectively kept their activities as community media practitioners in Lagos. and that the courtesy visit was also an opportunity to fortify the existing mutual relationship between the association and the Ministry.
“As an association we believe that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has worked assiduously in the pursuit of its THEMES agenda for a greater Lagos, we are readily prepared to partner with the government towards consolidating on the gains of the first tenure for the new dispensation.” Adejumo submits.
Mr Oloyede of AgegeTv Online, the Public Relation Officer of APCOM, while thanking the Special Adviser for the audience surprisingly by the consent of the leadership of the association initiated the process of bestowing upon him the special recognition award for his contribution to the development of communities across Lagos.
Others present at the meeting from the ministry includes, Hon Babatunde Adewale Jimoh, Special Adviser Community Affairs,
Mrs Rita Adeola, Director Administration and Human Resources, Mrs Toyin Adeniji Director Community Development Department, other community media Practitioners present also are, Rev. Joe Ihitegbulem of Oshodipost, Apcom Vice President and Mr. Idris Kasumu of Community Update.
It will be recalled that community media practitioners had a robust relationship with former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who was giving quarterly subvention to community newspapers, sending them on workshops and seminars, giving out adverts and sundry supports.
