REPORT OF LANDMARK UNIVERSITY 26TH LUCRID WEBINAR The 26th LUCRID WEBINAR was titled, MEDIA ROLE AS A KEY INSTITUTION IN DEMOCRATIC GOVERANCE; THE PARADOX OF NIGERIAN’S GREAT POTENTIALS AND FAILED POLITICAL PROMISES, was held at the University International Exhibition Center (IEC) on Monday 14th 2022. The webinar commenced at exactly 10am and spanned for about 2hours.
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- November 30, 2022
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The 26th LUCRID WEBINAR was titled, MEDIA ROLE AS A KEY INSTITUTION IN DEMOCRATIC GOVERANCE; THE PARADOX OF NIGERIAN’S GREAT POTENTIALS AND FAILED POLITICAL PROMISES, was held at the University International Exhibition Center (IEC) on Monday 14th 2022. The webinar commenced at exactly 10am and spanned for about 2hours.
At 10:15am, all members of Management, faculty staff and Mass Communication students were already seated. The event was anchored by Dr. Olushola Akanmode. To set the pace for the event an opening prayer was taken by Prof. John Ojediran. Dr. Owolabi Akinyomade took the prologue on behalf of Director Centre for Research and Innovation Development (DLUCRID), shortly after was a remark made by the Registrar, which then ushered in the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charity Aremu who gave a succinct welcome address.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charity Aremu giving her opening remarks at the 26th Webinar
Shortly after the welcome address made by the Vice-Chancellor. Mr. Joseph Eyitayo read the citation of the facilitator. Then the facilitator came on board immediately after the citation for an insightful lecture.
The facilitator started with a reflective quote by NOAM CHOMSKY “he, who controls the media, controls the minds of the public” this is in relation to the magic bullet theory of mass communication. He highlighted some definitions of the media, on of which he described as a medium of disseminating information to a wide audience or public.
Mr. Joseph Eyitayo reading the citation of the facilitator.
He further explained that the concept of mass media is demonstrated in the getting of information across to many people. The speaker spoke about the role of the media in Nigerian democratic governance and how Nigeria has painted democracy in an unflattering light, making political message of democracy unappealing to the people. He described the role of the media as the FOURTH ESATTE OF THE REALM, with emphasis on their explicit and tacit abilities to advocate for right causes in the society.
The 26th LUCRID Webinar Facilitator, Mr. Autin Okon-Akpan during his presentation
Cross Section of Mass Communication Students during the Webinar
He dovetailed to the roles of the media as a key institution in terms of being a watchdog, performing the surveillance function in relation to a democratic government. Media role as a key institution which are to inform, educate and entertain were also identified with diverse examples. The issue of accountability of the media was also addressed; this he addressed by stressing the advocacy role of the media in issues of EndSars, Bring Back Our Girls Protest and how media can effectively contribute to the economic and political development of citizen, promoting democracy and rule of law.
The Registrar, Mr. Olushola Oyinloye having a chat with the VC during the presentation
He succinctly explained the issues in the media, in terms of threats to the press in performing their roles of information reporting. Threats from heads of states, judges, security forces, violent groups etc., are factors hindering press freedom in Nigeria. He also highlighted some other hindrance of the media which includes poor welfare packages, low copy sales, massive shutdown of media houses, influence of ownership on the media etc. In respect to this he stated that media ownership by politicians has infringed on the right to press freedom, and this has eroded professionalism in the media.
L-R: Dr. Akinyomade Owolabi and Dean, College of Business and Social Sciences, Dr. Ben Caleb during the presentation
He ended the lecture by stating the fact that the media needs our help and suggested ways in which we can help the media, this ways include involvement in citizen journalism also known as participatory journalism, eye witness reporting and community watch.
A Mass Communication Student asking question at the end of the presentation
At the end of this lecture questions were harvested and well addressed by the facilitator. In respect to the questions that were addressed he suggested solution journalism. Thereafter an appraisal was taken by Dr. Moses Abiodun and votes of taken by the Dean College of Business and Social Science Dr. Ben Caleb and Representative of HOD Political science, International relations and Mass communication, Dr. Ejem Agwu. The webinar drew it curtains with a closing prayer by Mrs. Rachel Ojeka-John and thereafter pictures to mark and celebrate the day. Indeed the Lecture was an insightful one.
Group Photograph with the VC and Mass Communication Faculty and Students