By Abolaji Adebayo
The Lagos State Government has reassured Community Media Practitioners of continuous support and partnership to drive government developmental policies and plans for the masses.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode gave this assurance recently at the gala/award evening organized in his honour by the Association of Practitioners of Community Media in Nigeria (APCOM).
Ambode, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Communities and Communications, Hakeem Sulaiman, said collaboration with Community Media stakeholders would enhance information dissemination about government’s plans in getting to the people unhindered and also help community members communicate their needs and aspirations to government at all levels.
He enjoined the practitioners to play their watch-dog role conscientiously.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, also an awardee, showered encomium on the Lagos State Government for believing in this divide.
He said the platform created by the Ambode’s government for community media has revived the spirit of community participation with Lagos residents now being in tune with happenings in their various domains.
APCOM President, Dayo Akintobi, ascribed the success of the association to the Governor of Lagos State for recognizing that the only way democracy would deepen is when grassroots people have a voice through media that is accessible to them.
Highpoints of the event were cutting of birthday cake in honour of Lagos state governor Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and presentation of awards to other key players in community journalism.
