Former Chief Press Secretary to the Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dare Folarin, has tasked public relations experts to take advantage of radio as a medium of mass mobilisation, re-orientation and education to address societal ills and ensure the overall development of the country.
Folarin, an ace broadcaster and Chief Executive Officer of Aeronics PR, made the call while delivering a pep talk at the monthly Business Meeting organised by Ogun State Chapter, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), to commemorate the 2025 World Radio Day.
This year’s World Radio Day with the theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” is slated for 13th February, 2025.
According to the former governor’s spokesman, radio remains a potent medium of communication to correct societal ills.
Folarin also noted that indigenous radio programmes have become veritable channel through which public relations experts can leverage to drive home their messages to the public and re-orientate them.
He underscored the depth and impacts of radio messages over the years, through music, jingles, drama, among others that had impacted positively on both literate and illiterate populace to inculcate values, morals and cultural beliefs.
“Radio is a powerful tool to deliver Public Relations messages at cheap costs. Problem-solving is at the heart of Public Relations and we are on earth to solve problems. The much desired value re-orientation can be achieved on radio with creative contents like jingles, drama presentations, music and so on. Time honoured principles like honesty, integrity, hard work, truth and righteousness are best ingrained,” he said.
He further pointed out that messages of love, tolerance, hard work as well as value for education, could be sent to the people through radio, especially in the language they understand, thus eradicating social vices, criminal acts and ritual killings, among others.
Folarin added, “Nowadays, we have radio stations catering to specific needs and niches of the people. The people and broadcasters are partners in progress used in agriculture, industry and other areas of human endeavour. Radio can also surprise by matching our moods when presenters address things on our mind or play musical records that we like. This gives radio opportunity for innovation and experiment.”
“Radio serves the citizen and the society. Radio diverts from problems and anxieties through entertainment which reduces feelings of loneliness by creating a sense of companionship. It helps to solve problems as a source of information and advice. Radio contributes to self-knowledge and awareness by linking citizens with leaders and experts. It also guides social behaviour, sets standards and offers role models with which to identify.”
The former CPS urged public relations professionals to model the change they desire in the society by always doing the right things.
Earlier, the Ogun NIPR Chairman, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, inaugurated various committees that would handle the execution of various programmes lined up for the year.
Boye, who encouraged members to upgrade to higher levels in their professional cadres, emphasised the importance of active participation in the Chapter’s activities, including punctuality, regular attendance of meetings and prompt payment of dues.
Highlights of the meeting were the unveiling of Ogun NIPR sticker, presentation of gifts to deserving members and presentation of certificates to newly inducted members.
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