The Station Manager of UNILORIN 89.3 FM, Mr Idris Akintola Ibrahim, also known as Alooma, has called on students to use journalism and media responsibly to support peace and development in Nigeria.
He gave this advice on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, while speaking at the first Press Week of the Law Student Society (LSS) at the University of Ilorin. The theme of the event was “The Power of Public Pressure: How Social Technology and Journalism are Driving Change Beyond the Courtroom.”
Mr Alooma said journalism and social media now play a significant role in bringing people together and pushing for change. He mentioned the EndSARS and #BringBackOurGirls movements as examples of how online campaigns can lead to real action. He warned against “yellow journalism”, where false or exaggerated stories are spread just to gain attention. He urged students to avoid such practices and instead focus on truthful reporting. “Journalism is a divine act of communication,” he said.
Alooma, who has trained over 5,000 students through UNILORIN FM since 2009, invited interested students to join their internship programme. He said the number of radio stations in Nigeria has grown from 1 to over 1,000, and from 1 to 28 in Kwara State alone. Other speakers also gave their views. Miss Faidat Oluwapelumi Adio, Editor-in-Chief of the LSS Press, described the event as a success and urged students to utilise journalism for advocacy and truth-telling. Law lecturer Mr Adebayo Seye Thompson warned that misuse of social media could become a serious problem. He said journalists must always tell the truth and verify information before sharing it. The event also featured the launch of the LSS publication Lex Vox and its official website.