A don, Prof. Adigun Agbaje, has raised an alarm that for the country’s democracy to continue to thrive, there is a need for consensus building among the various ethnic groups as well as the elite in the country.
The professor of Political Science, University of Ibadan, said this while delivering the Petals FM radio one year anniversary lecture titled, “The Nigerian Media and the Search for Consensus in Diversity: Retrospect, Precepts and Prospects”.
Agbaje who was represented by Dr. Remi Ayede, said one lesson human history has taught is that consensus is a necessary condition for engineering progress on all major fronts, be it political, economic or socio-cultural.
Present at the event chaired by the Co-Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, include former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2015 elections in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun and Baale Ekotedo, Elder Taiye Ayorinde, among others.
According to Agbaje, the dominant perspective in state and society remains wedded to the doctrine of “unity in diversity”, stating that this is important for consensus among diverse groups in any plural society, and a battle-cry that has also resonated officially not only in Nigeria but also in Indonesia, India and South Africa, among others.
He however lamented that the management of diversity to enhance national consensus for democracy, peace, equity and justice is at risk in the context in which Nigeria currently finds itself.
“The context is one of economic challenges, rising poverty, unemployment, inequalities in resource distribution and access to other public goods, rampaging corruption and culture of impunity, erosion of public institutions, and much higher commitment to form and appearances than to the substance of people-oriented development and meaningful democracy”, he said.
The Chairman of Petals FM, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, traced the one year journey of the station as tasking, challenging but one that cane said to be on the same mission page as it was established.
He said, “One year ago, we took the toddler’s first tentative steps. Some inside this hall were there to cheer us on. Just as parents cheer on the first steps of a baby. We have been walking since. Yet, some moments of flattering but thankfully, not failing. Of course, Petals FM had to grow up in a mighty hurry, not having the luxury of that given conventional gradatory growth others were blessed with.
“In the beginning, we pledged to speak the truth to all, but especially to power. This has never been a merry undertaking, whether on the brown or yellow pages of history or even, in the times captures by our living eyes. Conversions through sheer strength, the savory mint of money, even the supple sway of an irresistible fairy.
The end is the result. But those are carrots, the stick also avails. But the pledge, our pledge stands”.
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