A former Ogun State Head of Service, Princess Iyabode Odulate has advocated the need for members of various communities to take ownership of community media existing in their areas to ensure such organisations do not succumb to the challenge of funding.

Odulate made the call while delivering a lecture titled “Role of Community Media for Effective Civil Service and Nation Building” during the 16th anniversary of Gateway News Update and Award 2021, at the Valley View Hall, Isale-Igbein, Abeokuta.

The former Head of Service who is the Commissioner, Lagos/Ogun in the Federal Civil Service Commission, stated that community media are critical to national development, as they give people at the grassroots the voice to be heard and enable them to participate in matters that affect their areas.

She emphasised the need to promote objectivity, truthfulness and openness in their reportage, adding that community media should avoid patronage of those who intend to use the media for their personal gains.

“Through community media, the hitherto unheard of people become heard and participate in matters that affect their community. It is important for members of the community to take ownership of community media so as to address factors affecting the gatekeeping process”, Odulate said.

In his welcome address, the Publisher, Gateway News Update, Evangelist Tunde Omolaolu said his organisation has been identifying and celebrating various outstanding personalities within the public and civil service, to encourage them to continue to contribute to the growth of the State.

 An Outstanding Permanent Secretary Award was later presented to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola.

Others conferred with awards include: Permanent Secretaries, Civil Service Commission, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Kolawole Ogunlana and Engr. (Dr.) Lateef Yusuf respectively, as well as a retired Permanent Secretary, Tpl. Yetunde Dina.