TO say that Lekan Alabi is a famous professional in the media world is an understatement. He is an asset.
In the foreword to this book, Media, Governance and Culture, legendary broadcaster, Chief Julie Coker, aptly described him as one ‘whose name and influence cut so seamlessly across the triad of media, governance, and culture.’
Many still recall Alabi’s strokes as a bilingual Society and Culture columnist with the Sketch newspaper in Dugbe; his big interviews and television years with NTA Agodi, TSOS, and later BCOS, Ibadan; his commanding presence on the social circuit in full Yoruba regalia; and his strategic roles at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, where he served as Principal Staff to both democratic and military administrations-from Uncle Bola Ige, the Cicero of Esa-Oke, to Colonels Oladayo Popoola, Adetunji Olurin, and Sasaenia Oresanya.
Indeed, he embodied an unusual immersion in two contrasting cultures of governance.
Alabi was also a pioneer of Public Relations as a management practice at the O’dua business conglomerate, where he proved himself to be far more than a mere publicist.
Now to the work itself-Media, Governance and Culture-anchored by Dr Rasaq Akinyemi, a young mediapreneur of Okeho and Ibadan heritage, known for honouring accomplished media leaders. This is his second festschrift: the first honoured Professor Ralph Akinfeleye of the University of Lagos at his retirement; this one celebrates Oloye Alabi at 75.
Traditionally, a festschrift is a collection of academic essays written by colleagues or mentees to honour a scholar at a milestone. While Alabi is not an academic in the formal sense, his prolific publications-over 30 works, including a documentary (Inside Source) on Governor Bola Ige and another -clearly qualify him for such recognition.
Media, Governance and Culture, a 284-page, two-part volume, is a collection of contributions by fourteen academics, including four professors of media studies and education.
Part One examines the intertwining of media, governance, and culture-highlighting both possibilities and contradictions in Nigeria’s socio-political life. Here, media is envisioned as watchdog, governance as a Western-imported framework, and culture as the symbolic foundation of legitimacy. But these elements rarely align neatly; they interact dynamically, producing hybrid forms of democracy, accountability, and cultural expression.
This part is themed into four sections: Media, Democracy and Governance (A) covering Nigerian media and elections; engagement, ethics and safety; Watchdog media, public amnesia and fizzing of political discourse; Using solution journalism to redefine the role of the media in a democratised Nigeria. These are thoughtful academic reviews.
Social Media and Youth Activism (B) covers National security in the context of social media and youth activism in Nigeria, a reflection on the Nigerian Nigerian youth activism through Twitter ( now X); Influence of social media on newspaper consumption patterns among undergraduates of Lead City University, Ibadan. Check the #EndSARS revolt and get sense.
Media, Human Rights and Global Perspectives (C) which looks at : Media and the protection of human rights: Analysing the watchdog role of Nigerian newspapers; Foreign media assistance to Nigeria and the question of media imperialism. Here you look at content and context of media practices in Nigeria and the influence of the western orientation and the quality of journalism practice in Nigeria. We are a product of our history.
Communication, Culture and Education (D) that dwell on Public relations for governance, Power relations and conflict management in a multicultural society; Investigating the importance of culturally responsive teaching practices, fostering diversity and inclusions in education.
Highlights include: A sober reflection on the Nigerian media’s inability to fully free itself from prebendal politics, with a call for a shift from problem-saturated reporting to solution journalism.
The disruptive impact of social media as a democratising force and an alternative to traditional gatekeepers.
A critical look at foreign aid to media institutions, warning against uncritical adoption of foreign values and dependence.
The recognition of Public Relations as a potential mediator of Nigeria’s governance contradictions, through strategies like stakeholder mapping, intercultural dialogue, and storytelling.
Of special importance is the emphasis on culturally responsive education: teaching that values students’ cultural backgrounds and leverages them as assets for learning, engagement, and leadership.
This festschrift is, therefore, not just celebratory but scholarly. It will serve students, academics, policy-makers, and media practitioners alike.
Finally, the icing on the cake: Part two, which in my view qualifies as the biographical section-Oloye Lekan Alabi on the Scroll. Here, Oloye Alabi either in press interviews, speeches, lectures or excerpts of different narrations, provides insight into his own story: his birth and lineage here in Ibadan and EmureEkiti, education, career, marriage and family, triumphs, politics of a non partisan operator, challenges, and legacy. For me, you have a sense of an authentic memoir-detailed, illustrated, engaging, and inspiring. From his pioneering days as Nigeria’s first bilingual columnist in a national daily to his service under both democratic and military regimes, Alabi connects history with destiny in ways that illuminate and inspire.
For those less inclined to academic discourse, this section is an accessible and compelling read.
In conclusion, while Media, Governance and Culture might demand patience in its early chapters, it is a worthy festschrift-a thoughtful tribute to a deserving icon. I recommend it wholeheartedly to scholars, practitioners, students, and all who are interested in the interplay of media, governance, culture, and the life of a role model.