Oyo NUJ chairman seeks adequate funding of FRCN stations

By Qudirat Hakeem-Apanpa - 07.03.2008

OYO State chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Wale Ojo-Lanre, has called on the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mr. Ben Egbuna, to ensure adequate funding of the newly established FM stations across the country.

Comrade Ojo-Lanre stated that complete commercialisation of news in media houses could lead to absolute domination by the highest bidders and this would affect the ethics of journalism.

He made the call in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, during a courtesy call on to the newly appointed General Manager of Paramount FM, Mr. Dare Olorunfemi, who was a member of the Oyo NUJ while working with the FRCN, Ibadan Network Centre.

He commended the director general for his foresight in establishing the FM stations across the country, adding that it would afford the people at the grassroots the opportunity to air their opinions and educate, entertain and inform them adequately, in addition to creating more job opportunities for the youth.

Responding, Mr. Olorunfemi expressed appreciation to the NUJ leadership for its moral support and promised to be a good ambassador of the Oyo NUJ in his new status.

He said FM stations were supposed to be the window for the government to see the grassroots, saying that he would ensure that the station was utilised for the purpose it was established.