By Anu Oyeleye
A renowned journalist Yemi Farounbi has tasked the Nigerian Government and the media to focus on addressing the underlying issues causing rising insecurity in Nigeria rather than placing emphasis on kidnapping, herdsmen crisis which are only symptoms of the disease bedeviling the nation.
According to the veteran, the current constitutional arrangement, economic structures are the real issues that have birthed increase crime rate and lawlessness in the country.
Faroumbi who spoke at the first annual public lecture of Yinka Ayefele organized by the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Oyo State Chapter to celebrate his birthday said once these underlying issues are tackled, then, the situation of herdsmen- farmers attack, incessant kidnapping will become a thing of past.
The broadcaster while appreciating Yinka Ayefele for his philanthropist attitude and vast contribution to journalism in Nigeria said grass can also be produced through irrigation system the same way food is produced in large quantity in the Northern part however, the current system hinders this development.
The guest lecturer of the event, Rapheal Akpan, Zonal Director of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission said the Nigerian media has a great role to play in averting crisis and ensuring the populace is fed with credible information which would be used in decision making.
He advised media practitioners to extol the virtues of professionalism and avoid sensationalism. Speaking, Akpan decried journalists using words in a way that will incite the people or cause reprisal attacks.
He charged media stations to be pro-active, sensitive and produce content that will promote peace and help build the nation.
“Many people are bitter and angry at the Nigerian media because they keep churning out falsehood, though they later debunk but most times the damage has been done.
“The media should not be continually used as tool to perpetuate illegitimate rule. We should as professionals be able to rise above challenges of poor condition of service, poor remuneration, job insecurity and embrace standard,” he said.
Yinka Ayefele who was unanimously celebrated by all is 53 years old and has three growing media stations in Abeokuta, Ibadan and Ekiti State.
Research shows that over 18,000 widows have benefitted from his philanthropist gesture in the past five years and other citizens through diverse phone-in programmes aired by his radio station.