Parrot FM Ogbomoso at 10: Reflection on Exciting Horizons and Setting Record Straight || Sayo Alagbe
pannigeriannews
8 min read
By Sayo Àlàgbé
A stone-hearted person lives a life of his own, and his stubbornness leads him not to the place of honour, glory and accomplishment. As the saying goes: those who listen to the counsels of the wise will reap the benefit of the wise.
Today, l congratulate the management and staff of Parrot FM, Oke Baby Area, Ogbomoso on the landmark occasion of attaining and celebrating ten (10) eventful years of existence, relevance, significance, excellence, dedication, and unparalleled service to Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Nigerian.
Of great importance is the fact that achieving a decade of uninterrupted success in the competitive world of media is no small or lean feat. It is an honour to the vision, mission statement, passion, and commitment of those who have been at the helm of affairs since the inception of this noble station. Parrot FM has consistently upheld its mandate, setting standards and creating a legacy that is worth celebrating. On this note, I salute the courage and foresight of the proprietor, the former Governor of Oyo State, Late Òtunba Adebayo Also-Akala of blessed memory, who, ten years ago, dared to dream big and took the bold step to establish this station, ensuring that the voice of our community is heard far and wide.
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“IN RADIO, YOU HAVE TWO TOOLS: SOUND AND SILENCE”
– Ira Glass
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Significantly, it takes great vision and determination to invest in the media industry, particularly in radio broadcasting, in an era where technology and information dissemination are evolving rapidly. The proprietor of Parrot FM saw the gap in the market, and more importantly, the needs assessment necessitated the need to preserve and promote the cultural, social, and political ethos of our people. In creating the common man’s companion called radio, as a platform, it has not only built a bridge of communication; but also fortified the presence of the political empire of late Adebayo Alao Akala, which ensures it does not fade into obscurity or irrelevance. This is commendable.
Beyond the perspective and interpretation of the same, it becomes imperative to give special tribute to the brain behind this initiative and the eminent individuals who mooted the idea of establishing a radio station that would serve as a beacon for the community. To be precise and concise, among them in particular is late Prince Atilade Atoyebi of Onpetu ljeru fame – a radio guru: prolific broadcaster and a man imbued with the gift of rhetorics and my very good self, Sayo Alagbe. The two of us mooted and sold the idea of a radio station (and newspapers) industry to the late Chief Òtunba Alao – Akala. Though, he took the idea with a pinch of salt, untill the time he left office as the Executive Governor of Oyo State.
While on this, his erstwhile Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Rasaq Gbadegesin Kareem (Agbeti) – a noble good friend, invited me and one Chief Moses Olorode – former Editor of The Punch and members Board of Directors, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS); to a meeting held in his office, where he broke the news of Òtunba Alao Akala’s readiness to establish a newspaper industry to us.
Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived as the former Governor, Otunba Alao-Akala, eventually abandoned the plans for the reason best known to him. Later, after he retired into his Ogbomoso residence – where l put more pressure on him to establish either a newspaper industry or radio station, or he will eventually lose his political relevance; he caved in to my admonition and approved funds for the same. Alas! I was commissioned to do the registration of the station at the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), with the combined efforts of late Prince Atilade Atoyebi, who weird and used his powerful influence and connections as a retired Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The registration was eventually completed within the required time-frame at NBC, Abuja.
Within twinkling of an eye, the preparation for the take-off of the radio station started in earnest at its present location. I willingly volunteered myself to work vigorously, and without taking a farthing, for the accelerated/ speedy completion of the radio station as the Supervisor cum Secretary, Engineer Biodun Àjàó (Bioja) a veteran Engineer of many years standing, tirelessly worked as the site engineer; Dele Oladokun stood in firmly as the Technical Supervisor; Prince Felix Akande as a superior and one Mr. Alatise – a radio mast constructor completed the team. These visionary-minded individuals recognized the power of media in shaping public discourse, influencing opinions, and fostering unity within the society.
Their efforts in conceptualizing Parrot FM and bringing it to life deserve commendation. It was through their deliberations and forward-thinking approaches that this station was founded, and it has since grown into a reputable organisation. They were able to see beyond the moment and laid a foundation for laudable project which eventually metamorphosed into great legacy — an enduring voice for our people!
Again, I would like to acknowledge those who contributed to the factors that made Parrot FM a unique establishment, cherished public platform and as a forum for the commoners. From the individuals who suggested the different names for the station’s various programmes, to those who designed the contents that keep listeners glued to their radio; I say thank you.
Insightful kudos must be given to Chief Bayo Ogunesan (a.k.a. Baba Jaguar – who suggested the radio identity Ayekooto) literally Parrot; Mr. Lanre Ogunwale, former and pioneer News Editor, who tagged the early morning newspapers review as Akékaka, alongside Mr. Bolade Salami – who is currently General Manager, Fresh FM, lbadan; coupled with the various pioneer freelance broadcasters, who worked pro bono and laboriously to firmly entrench the stations feet.
Similarly, the likes of Odunlami Àlàgbé, Adebayo Oluwasayo Elijah (DJ Perfecta), Tajudeen Akorede Isola (Okolo), Azzez Omowura ( Alujo Baba Kamo of blessed memory, Fémí Fatayo, Oladunni, Ayobami Yusuf, Biodun Lasisi – who later became continuity announcer; Thompson Taiwo – who later became Director of Programmes; Nathaniel Oladiran – former acting and later News Editor, Seyi Adedeji, Niyi Bankole, Wale Alawoye (Mallam Garba, lsaac Olayiwola, Dorcas Olaleye, Olamide Olarinde, Adewale Ayinde (Obelawo), Wole Olalekan (Wolex Presenter); to mention but a few.
Retrospectively, some of them later functioned as a substantive members of staff before the tide of time moved them to other various destinations. Mr. Ademola Adeniyi (Kukulaja) was the first General Manager of the station; while Engr. Tajudeen Ameen (Omukoko) – who is now at Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Ile Akede, Orita Basorun, took over the headship of Engineering Department from Mr. Dele Oladokun. Their creativity and ingenuity have not gone unnoticed, but recognised and have undoubtedly contributed significantly in shaping the identity of this noble station.
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“RADIO IS THE THEATER
OF THE MIND…”
– Steve Allen
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Contemporarily, things have changed and changed drastically. Kudos must be given to the current industrious members of staff and workers of Parrot FM, I acknowledge your dedication, perseverance, and tenacity of purpose. The success of a radio station is greatly dependent on the passion of the people behind the scenes: the anchors, producers, technicians, administrative staff, and others who make the daily operations effectively and efficiently delivered.
Your loyalty, commitment to excellence and tireless efforts in delivering top-notch content every day; are commendable and remarkable. You have kept the flag of progress and continuity of Parrot FM flying, which not only sustained the hope that birth the station, but ensure it remains a reliable source of information, entertainment, and education for the people.
As we celebrate this milestone, it is also an opportunity to look ahead and consider how Parrot FM can continue to evolve and expand its reach. The world of media is ever-changing, and it is essential for Parrot FM to stay ahead of the curve, especially by embracing and optimizing the new media utilisation in programme packaging and delivery. In this regard, I would like to challenge the Management of Parrot FM to consider more creative ways of generating funds to build another station outside its present location. Many of your counterparts have taken such steps, and the benefits are obviously available. To broaden the relevance and significance of your existence, there is need to widen Parrot horizon towards other regions. This will not only increase the station’s reach, but will also enhance its influence and relevance in today’s dynamic media landscape.
Further, as Parrot FM looks to the future, it is crucial to bring in more competent hands and professionally inclined media gurus and promising new bies to handle the station’s affairs. While the current team has done an outstanding job over the years, there is always room for growth and improvement. As John Donne’s Devotions (1624) once screams: “No man is an Island, entire of it self; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main.”
Beyond doubt, fresh ideas like dew in the morning, new perspectives, and diverse skill sets; will help the station stay competitive and innovative. I encourage the Management to scout for talents and bring in professionals who can elevate the station to even greater heights. Where does PARROT FM want to be in the next 10 years?
To butress the foregoing, as a matter of suggestion, there is urgent need for the formation of a part-time board of directors, comprising individuals with extensive experience and expertise in media, business, and management. This board can offer strategic advice and guidance, to ensure that the station is not only sustainable, but also poised for long-term success and continuity. A board of this nature will bring additional layers of insights, efficiency and accountability that are invaluable for navigating the challenges and opportunities in the media industry.
Ultimately for Parrot FM, when the hen comes home to roost, the goal would be attained: to stand tall like an oak tree, to germinate and breed more stations across the South-west Nigeria. In the actualisation of these lofty objectives, the station would create a broader network of influence, amplifying its voice and solidifying its place as a leader in the media space. To give birth to multiple stations would provide opportunities for the development of local talent, the creation of jobs, and the promotion of regional cultures, languages and relevance.
In conclusion, as the drums continue to give melodious tunes, and dancing steps move in different directions, it is important to be reminded: the journey is far from over! Success brings more challenges and prospects for more success stories! It is not time to sleep on the present success. Parrot FM has built a solid foundation, but the future holds greater possibilities. With visionary leadership, professional management, and a commitment to excellence; I have no doubt that this station will continue to thrive and be an inspiration for years to come!
Once again, congratulations to the entire PARROT FM family! May the next decade be even more fruitful than the last! May the station continue to soar to new heights!
SAYÒ ÀLÀGBÉ is a media practitioner, author, publisher and the CEO: Timfred Communications Nig. Ltd. He can be reached via: [email protected],
Tel. +234 703 953 5757.
