You can’t always win every award. Not everyone will be honoured at the same time. There will always be equally deserving people who, for whatever reason, don’t make the final list.
That was my exact thought after reviewing the 73 personalities honoured by the Oyo State Government for its 50th anniversary celebrations — a list that includes luminaries across education, sports, governance, law, business and more. While the selection process appeared thorough and commendable in many respects, it unfortunately overlooked one of the most impactful sectors in the state’s history: the media.
This blog post takes a deeper look at why this omission matters, especially for a state that prides itself as The Pace‑Setter in many spheres of Nigerian life. The media has been central to informing, entertaining, engaging and shaping public discourse in Oyo State for decades — yet it went unrecognised in this golden jubilee celebration.
A Golden Jubilee List Worth Celebrating — But Not Without Question
In early February 2026, the Oyo State Government announced the names of 73 distinguished persons who would receive honours as part of the Oyo State @ 50 celebrations. These awards were intended to recognise outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the state across various sectors and generations.
From acclaimed economists and legal minds like Professor Ojetunji Aboyade and Olufunke Aboyade, SAN — acknowledged for their global achievements — to veterans of public service, the list reflects a commendable diversity of contributions.
Yet amid this comprehensive roll call of achievers, not a single media professional was recognised — an omission that demands scrutiny, especially given the media’s critical role in the state’s evolution.
Media: The Unseen Pillar of Oyo State’s Story
It is difficult to imagine how the narrative of Oyo State’s history, growth and societal transformation could be fully told without a nod to the journalists, broadcasters, station founders and content creators who have informed, shaped, and amplified the voices of millions of citizens over the past five decades.
Media as Chronicler and Voice of the People
From reporting civic developments to amplifying voices during elections, crises, and social movements, the media has served as a vital bridge between leaders and the people. Broadcast and print outlets have been the public’s window into governance, culture, sports, economy and the arts — shaping both local pride and national perception.
Despite this unmatched service, the 50th anniversary honours failed to include any representatives from this sector — a glaring gap in an otherwise wide recognition across professions and disciplines.
Foundations of Broadcasting in Oyo State — And Africa
To grasp the historical depth of the media’s role in Oyo State, it is crucial to recognise the pioneering milestones rooted here.
WNTV and WNBS: Media Landmarks Born in Ibadan
Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) in Ibadan — launched on **October 31, 1959 — was the first television service in Africa, marking a historic moment in media for both Nigeria and the continent.
Its sister radio station, the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNBS), was among Africa’s earliest commercial radio stations and was instrumental in informing and entertaining citizens long before many other regions developed broadcast media.
These early platforms cultivated a media ecosystem that would grow to include public, private and community outlets — all rooted in Ibadan’s legacy as a centre of learning, culture and communication.
Media Icons Who Shaped Oyo’s Narrative — Yet Were Overlooked
Several individuals — whose careers and influence spanned decades — helped mould the media landscape in Oyo State and beyond. Their absence from the anniversary list is notable.
Chief Mrs. Anike Agbaje‑Williams — A Trailblazer in Broadcasting
Chief Mrs. Anike Agbaje‑Williams holds an incredible place in Nigerian media history. She was:
The first female television staff announcer and broadcaster in Nigeria.
The first voice heard on WNBS radio, one of Africa’s earliest commercial stations, and one of the first faces on WNTV television — Africa’s inaugural TV station.
Her pioneering work laid the foundation for generations of media professionals. When she passed away in 2025, her legacy was widely recognised as foundational for broadcast media not just in Oyo State, but across Nigeria.
Yanju Adegbite — Voice of Oyo for Generations
Veteran broadcaster Yanju Adegbite is another media legend whose contributions span pioneers to modern media evolution. Known affectionately as the “Music Merchant,” he was a foundational on‑air personality and media executive with decades of influence — from radio to television.
Adegbite’s long service as presenter, DJ, master of ceremonies, and later media executive reflects the impact seasoned broadcasters have had in informing, entertaining and uniting diverse audiences.
Other Veteran Broadcasters Worth Remembering
Numerous other media personalities have dedicated their lives to broadcasting excellence in Oyo State, including:
Komolafe Olaiya and Olalomi Amole, voices who entertained and informed generations.
Alhaji Gboyega Lawal, Baale Yemi Ogunyemi, Adebayo Faleti, Alhaji Kola Olootu, Edmond Obilo, Prince Dotun Oyelade — names associated with decades of excellence in print and broadcast journalism.
Mayor Isaac Brown, known for using mass communication platforms to promote events like the Miss Oyo beauty pageant for over three decades, extending Oyo’s image both locally and abroad.
All of these individuals have built careers rooted in enriching public discourse and promoting Oyo State’s identity — and their absence from the honours list raises questions about inclusivity.
Media Entrepreneurship: Beyond Reporting to Economic Impact
The media industry in Oyo State extends beyond journalism and broadcasting into entrepreneurship and job creation.
Dr. Yinka Ayefele — Media Pioneer and Employer
Dr. Yinka Ayefele — besides his global music acclaim — founded Fresh FM, a network with multiple stations that has become one of the largest media brands emanating from Oyo State.
His media enterprise has:
Created jobs across radio and digital platforms.
Provided platforms for news, entertainment and youth voices.
Preserved cultural expression through music, talk shows and community programming.
Dr. Ayefele’s dual role as creative and media entrepreneur underscores the multi‑dimensional contributions of the media sector to society and economy.
Oriyomi Hamzat — People’s Voice through Agidigbo 88.7 FM
Another dynamic figure is Oriyomi Hamzat, founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, a station known for advocating human rights, community engagement and civic discourse in Ibadan.
His work exemplifies how media can be a force for social influence — amplifying citizen voices and fostering dialogue on public issues.
Why Media Recognition Matters in Oyo State’s Golden Jubilee
Oyo State’s media professionals have not only chronicled history — they have made it. From the inception of television and radio in Africa to modern broadcast entrepreneurship, the media has:
Informed the public on governance, health, elections and social change.
Entertained and united communities through music, culture and storytelling.
Influenced public opinion and sparked civic engagement.
Promoted Oyo State’s identity, locally and globally.
Yet in a celebration meant to honour those who shaped the state over half a century, this foundational pillar was left unacknowledged.
Conclusion: Expanding Recognition, Strengthening Legacy
While the list of Oyo State @ 50 honourees includes remarkable figures across multiple sectors, the absence of media stalwarts — pioneers, broadcasters, communicators and entrepreneurs — highlights a missed opportunity to celebrate the true diversity of contributions that have helped shape the state.
Recognition is more than a ceremony; it is a historic record of impact. The stories of media icons from Anike Agbaje‑Williams to Yanju Adegbite, and from Dr. Yinka Ayefele’s media empire to community voices like Oriyomi Hamzat deserve to be part of the narrative.
Celebrating Oyo State at 50 should mean honouring all those who helped tell its story — from classrooms and courtrooms to airwaves and audiences. The media was there. It deserves its place in history.
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