The first University Radio Station in Nigeria, UNILAG 103.1fm, celebrated its 18th Anniversary on Wednesday, December 14, 2022.
The celebration kicked off with an opening prayer from the Headmistress, UNILAG Staff School, Dr. (Mrs.) Ajayi, after which there was a praise and session by Damipraise, and a ministration from Pastor Thomas Nwajei of Holy Ghost Prayer Conference and Evangelical Mission.
The Chairman, UNILAG Media Centre Board, Professor Muyiwa Falaiye, in his welcome address, appreciated a former Coordinator of UNILAG 103.1fm, Mrs. Bisi King-Paul, former acting Managing Director, UNILAG Media Ventures, Dr. Mrs. Abimbola Ogidan and other members of staff of the radio station.
He showered glowing praises on the Station Manager, Michael Dimeji-Lamu, a.k.a Lamu, who he said, has not disappointed the Board since his selection as acting Station Manager, and now, Station Manager. Prof. Falaiye noted that Lamu had surpassed expectations, performance-wise, and wished him a big future ahead. His words, “Lamu has showcased commitment, dedication and excellence and an open-door policy to all members of staff of the radio station”.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof Ayodele Atsenuwa, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, congratulated UNILAG 103.1fm for running and aligning with the vision of the UNILAG brand. She noted that the radio station has done excellently well in representing the brand and communicating what the University of Lagos does as a University. Prof Atsenuwa applauded the youth-centric feel of the station and thanked the station for the opportunities/platform it has provided to student-volunteers over the years to make them workplace ready. She disclosed that the University has commenced efforts to structure the student volunteer system in such a way that certificates of recognition are issued to students to show that they have practical skills which can boost their portfolios.
Goodwill Messages
The event also featured goodwill messages from former members of staff of the radio station:
Former Coordinator, UNILAG radio, Mrs. Margaret Olabisi King-Paul reminisced on her experiences at the radio. She congratulated the staff of the station for the growth and development recorded by the station, in spite of all odds and difficulties and for maintaining the standard over the years.
Former producer of the programmes “Health Focus”, and “Ladder to Success”, Mr. Tolu Olanrewaju, implored members of staff of the radio station to know that despite the fact that the radio station is a campus station, they are meant to assume some level of maturity in their activities as an individual or organization. He noted that Unilagfm is meant to be a place of continuous learning. To this end, he charged all those in the radio station to continually learn from their superiors.
Former Studio Manager, producer and DJ, Mr. Paul Akhabue a.k.a Dr. Xin, charged students at the radio station to keep doing what they have been doing, and advised that they continue to learn from their superiors with humility. He noted that broadcasting is a vast profession which can be explored. He congratulated the Management and staff of the station and wished them a happy anniversary.
Former acting Managing Director, Dr. Ogidan congratulated the radio station, for blazing the train in community radio broadcasting. She advised that the legacy laid down over the years be sustained and prayed that it be uplifted above the level it is at the moment.
Presentation of Certificates of Recognition
There was also presentation of certificates of recognition and gifts to the following clients for their esteemed patronage over the years:
- The Move of the Holy Ghost
- Young and Cerebral
- Minding Manners
- Delae Communication Ltd
Awards of recognition were presented to:
- Former secretary of the Radio station, Mrs. Caroline Ogunbote for her dedication during her service years at the radio station;
- Former Coordinator of Unilag fm, Mrs. Margaret Olabisi King-Paul for her commendable service in the radio station;
- Former Station Manager, Mr. Paul Akhabue, for his remarkable service to the station; and
- Former Acting Managing Director, UNILAG Media Centre, Dr. Ogidan for her dedication and hard work at the radio station.
The following prizes were awarded:
- Winner of Programme of the Year: “Agbo Genesis” by Solid Mallam
- Most Improved Presenter: Emmanuel Adefisayo (a sports presenter)
- Volunteer of the Year: Tamilore Martins
- Best dressed female – Adebola Adedugba
- Presenter of the Year: Adebola Adedugba
- Corps Member of the Year- Mr. Popoola
- Client of the Year: Delae Communications Ltd
Recognition of staff of UNILAG 103.1fm
The Station Manager, Michael Dimeji-Lamu celebrated all the staff of the Radio Station by calling them to the stage. He also appreciated all the wonderful clients of the radio station.
The celebration closed with the cutting of the Anniversary cake and prayers by the Station Librarian, Mrs. Gloria Enioluwa.
