The 3-in-1 Iseya celebration gathered crème de la crème on Thursday at the Oyo State Local Government Staff Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The event marked the celebration of 25 years in the media industry, 6 years of Iseya TV and the 50th Birthday Celebration of the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Iseya Media, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko.
The occasion featured tributes and award presentation to nearly thirty selected personalities.
Some of the notable personalities included the Founder of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Engr. Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, JP; Chairman, Oyo SUBEB, Dr. Nureni Adeniran; Oyo ALGON Chairman and Outgoing Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda Oyedele; Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju; and Chairperson, Oyo State Rule of Law and Enforcement Authority, Rtd. Justice Aderonke Aderemi
Others were APM Oyo Central Senatorial District Candidate, Chief Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo; Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor, Bashorun Akinwole Akinwale; Chairman, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, Rtd. Major Adesagba Adekoya; former Chairman, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority and APM Ibadan NorthWest/SouthWest Federal Constituency Candidate, Dr. Akin Fagbemi, among others.
The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Olagoke, delivered a lecture titled, “Amplifying The Grassroots By Strengthening Local Governance Through Responsible Media.”
He described the celebrant as a woman in man, noting that the media personality over the last twenty years has continued to make positive effect in the society.
He explained that the media in democracy can only help good governance where there is total independence of the fourth estate of the realm.
The respected engineer and public administrator said democracy will touch the grassroots where media personalities deem it fit to connect homes, schools, and religious circles, which in turn enables the government or people in position to realize the hustle and hassle of the grassroots.
He urged the celebrant to sustain her dedication and selflessness, saluting the convener for giving her best through her works, saying transferring the arts to her children will help her turn a historic legacy.
He identified the major challenges of responsible media practice as political and economic interference, misinformation and disinformation, limited resources and professional capacity, inadequate access to public information, and safety, ethics and public trust.
To address the challenges, he proposed a five-part practical framework , Information, Inclusion, Investigation, Interaction and Institutional Response.
“Democracy is not sustained by elections alone. It is also sustained by the continuous exchange of information, the willingness of institutions to answer legitimate questions, and the ability of citizens to participate meaningfully in public affairs,” Olagoke said.
“A media institution that spreads falsehoods cannot reliably strengthen accountability. A government that refuses legitimate scrutiny cannot build enduring public trust,” he added.
Professor Olagoke was also honoured at the event with the Humanitarian Service Award alongside other notable dignitaries.
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, also received a Humanitarian Service Award in recognition of his contributions to humanitarian activities and community development.
Reacting to the honour, Ajadi commended Mrs. Aluko, describing her as a journalist who has successfully combined professional journalism with humanitarian service.
He particularly applauded her consistent efforts to support pupils in public primary schools across Oyo State through the distribution of educational materials, including exercise books and school uniforms, at the beginning of school sessions.
“Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko is a journalist who has distinguished herself through humanitarian services alongside her professional responsibilities. On the first day of school resumption in Oyo State, she consistently reaches out to pupils, particularly those in primary schools, by distributing books and school uniforms to support their education,” Ajadi said.
Addressing journalists at the event, Ajadi urged young and emerging journalists in Oyo State to emulate Aluko’s commitment to humanitarian service, stressing the importance of using their professional platforms and personal resources to contribute to society.
He maintained that the recognition of individuals and organisations making positive contributions to society would encourage more people to embrace humanitarian activities and selfless service.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education and Director General, APM Presidential/Governorship Campaign Council, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, commended the foresight of the celebrant.
He said he had known the Iseya CEO while serving as Commissioner for Industry and Education during the administration of Late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala as mysteriously dedicated, committed and ever giving out. He promised to continue to support her media practice in education and others.
“I flew from Abuja to Ibadan this morning all because Ayodeni has been adjudged dedicated, hardworking and focused. She believes in whatever legally she does. The reward is what she is beginning to enjoy now. She has through the arts hailed talents, even from poor homes and continues to empower young children in our primary schools, one of the reasons my office and Oyo State approved her ‘Catch Them Young Initiative’ with a resonating impact now,” he said.
In their separate goodwill messages, Chairman, Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda Oyedele; Chairman, Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Solomon Akinleye; and APM Candidate, Oyo Central Senatorial District, Chief Ajadi Oguntoyinbo described Iseya TV as a real image maker of Oyo State.
They commended the celebrant’s focus, resilience and continued creativity, urging her to sustain her support for all candidates of the Allied People’s Movement across the country for a resonating yielding democratic governance.
Also speaking, the OYRTMA Chairman, Rtd. Major Adesagba Adekoya, thanked the organisers for the recognition and described Iseya Media as a partner in public enlightenment.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Iseya TV, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, said the media journey has been a mix of joy and challenges, acknowledging continued support of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and all his aides as always a succour.
She urged the government representatives to be focused with giving good leadership for a thriving socio-economic society.
She thanked Professor Olagoke for the anniversary lecture and promised that Iseya Media and Iseya TV would continue to uphold responsible journalism and humanitarian service.
Some of the other awardees included Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye; Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji; Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Akeem Ige, who was represented by Pastor Adeola Oduola, the Permanent Secretary of the Commission; Chairman, Ona Ara Local Government, Dr. Temitope Kolapo.
Others are Former Chairman, OYSIEC, Aare Isiaka Olagunju; Commissioner for Energy, Professor Dahud Sangodoyin; Chairman Ogbomosho South, Hon. Oyedokun; Chairman, Orelope Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Olayanju; Chairman, Ibarapa North Local Government; Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass; Special Assistant on Interfaith, Rev. Olufemi Ibikunle, among others.
The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of awards and the cutting of Professor Olagoke’s birthday and anniversary cakes.
“Public authorities should respond to legitimate questions, address verified service delivery problems, and communicate progress on commitments. Media organisations should follow up on significant issues and inform the public about what has changed and what remains unresolved.”
“The ultimate measure of responsible media is not the number of stories it publishes, but the quality of public understanding it promotes, the fairness of the scrutiny it provides, and the contribution it makes to informed participation, transparency and institutional accountability.”
