Centre launches community radio to amplify issues in indigenous communities

The Center for Indigenous Knowledge, Development and Sustainability (CIKDAS) has launched a communities radio station to amplify voices and promote the rights of youths, persons with disabilities and CSOs in indigenous communities.

In a statement, the Project Director of of CIKDAS, Jumoke Owoola, said the initiative would also preserve indigenous knowledge systems, promotion of organic foods culture, and protection of indigenous lands and rights.

Speaking during a workshop organised in collaboration with organised by CIKDAS with, Cultural Survival, Owoola highlighted the crucial role community radio plays in disseminating vital information and advocating for community development.

According to her, “Cultural Survival is a non-profit organisation dedicated to defending the rights of the indigenous peoples as well as amplifying their voices and ideologies globally and believe in supporting ideas that will always make the voices of indigenous people heard.”

She revealed that this was the second workshop to be carried upon by the same organisation on the same topic as it seeks to use indigenous radio to.preserve and promote indigenous languages, cultures, and traditions.

“Community Radio provides a platform for indigenous voices, stories, and perspectives, amplifying their presence in the media landscape. Indigenous radio empowers indigenous communities, enabling them to take control of their own narratives and representations.”

In his remarks , one of the participants and key leader at the workshop Adekola Azeez, said the workshop couldn’t have come at a better time than this because it was an avenue to use not just community radio in the dissemination of indigenous peoples’ rights , but to also use other forms of community media in carrying messages home.”

“We are happy that this workshop is being done in our community despite its location . We are happy to learn that we can create ideas that can reshape our indigenous ideologies for community media to harp upon.

“Not only this , you can all see the overwhelming response as people are ready to be the change agents needed in restoring our lost cultural heritage. Yoruba language is sweet to the ears , our foods are medicinal, we reason before we talk , and humility is always the beauty of any Yoruba individual. These are what we can still revive and promote.”

The Baale of Oko ope in Ijede town of Lagos, who was represented at the occasion by Mr. Kuti Jelili, praised the organiser, CIKDAS and the funding organization for hosting the program.