The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu the fourth, has commended Zents 90.9 FM, Abeokuta for its programmes promoting Ẹgba, Yoruba and African culture, noting that the station has continued to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the people.
Ọba Gbadebo made the commendation on Tuesday when the management of the station paid him an official courtesy visit in his palace in Ake, Abeokuta, as part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between the radio station and the traditional institution.
The Zents FM delegation was led by the station’s Chief Consultant on General Administration, Chief Festus Kehinde, including a member of the station’s Board and trustee, Egba Heritage Foundation, Alhaji Nurudeen Oyedele; Comrade Bola Oladeinde; and Dr. Olanrewaju Sowunmi.
Also on the team were the General Manager, Mr. Kola Adeleye; Head of Programmes and News, Mr. ’Wale Oloyede; Head of Administration and Accounts, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Emele; and Head of Marketing and Social Media, Mr. Dare Julius.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Kehinde appreciated the Alake for his previous visit to Zents FM, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the monarch’s support for the station, while stressing that Zents FM was interested in deeper collaboration with the palace, particularly in using its platforms to keep the public informed about activities and initiatives of the traditional institution aimed at promoting peace, unity and development in Egbaland and Ogun State.
In his remarks, Alhaji Oyedele thanked Alake for the warm reception, highlighting the activities of the Ẹgba Heritage Foundation, with explanation that the Foundation was working towards developing notable heritage sites, including Ijemo Rock and the Ogun River, into major tourist attractions, which will attract more visitors to Egbaland and boost the local economy and projecting the cultural heritage of the area to a wider global audience.
Earlier, the Baagbimo of Egbaland, High Chief Israel Akanni Akinwale, had welcomed the Zents FM delegation, saying Egbaland is known for rich culture, custom and tradition, which must be projected positively by the media to the entire world for recognition and acceptance.
Responding, Oba Gbadebo assured Zents FM and the Ẹgba Heritage Foundation of his support for their growth and development initiatives, while granting the station the freedom to visit the Ake Palace whenever necessary to cover events and activities, describing the media as an important partner in informing the public and promoting peace, culture and progress in Egbaland.
The monarch, however, charged the management and journalists of the station to uphold fairness and balance in their reportage, stressing that accurate and responsible broadcasting remained essential to the growth and development of society.
