The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development on Wednesday held a strategic stakeholders’ meeting with veterans in the entertainment industry and executives of the Disc Jockeys Association of Nigeria (DJAN), Oyo State Chapter, as part of efforts to promote unity, collaboration, and sustainable growth within the state’s creative sector.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman emphasized the importance of synergy and collective responsibility among entertainment industry stakeholders, noting that meaningful government intervention can only be effective when industry players understand the need to work together for mutual benefit.
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He explained that the Agency’s engagement with the creative industry is driven by a shared goal of ensuring that both government and practitioners contribute positively to the development of the sector.
According to him, cooperation, structure, and inclusiveness are key factors required to unlock greater opportunities for youths within the entertainment ecosystem.
The Chairman also gave insight into the genesis of the Mix and Mic programme, describing it as a deliberate initiative aimed at discovering, empowering, and promoting young talents across various creative disciplines.
He revealed that despite operating with a limited budget, the Agency decided to proceed with the programme after receiving overwhelming support from well-meaning individuals who believed in the vision and importance of the initiative.
Highlighting the need for unity across the industry, he called on all sectors including artists, hypemen, DJs, dancers, and other entertainment groups to work together in a coordinated manner to drive growth and development.
Addressing concerns raised by some veterans regarding feelings of exclusion, the Chairman reassured participants of the Agency’s commitment to inclusiveness, stressing that no group would be left behind.
He announced that the Mix and Mic programme would be postponed until next year to allow for wider consultation and ensure that all stakeholders are fully aligned and adequately represented.
He further disclosed that participation forms for the programme would be made free in the next edition, adding that any participant who takes the opportunity seriously and demonstrates excellence would be duly rewarded.
Participants at the meeting commended the Chairman for creating an open platform for dialogue and collaboration. They pledged to return to their respective associations to develop inclusive plans that would carry every member along and foster unity within the industry.
The stakeholders also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government for its openness and for providing a framework that encourages synergy and healthy working relationships among entertainment professionals.
Earlier in the meeting, the Chairman of the Veteran DJs offered a historical perspective on the struggles and evolution of the Disc Jockeys Association of Nigeria since 1984, urging members to embrace change, promote progress, and avoid actions that could lead to retrogression.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Agency advised stakeholders on the importance of discipline, internal management, and the enforcement of sanctions for erring members, noting that professionalism and accountability are essential for the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Those present at the meeting included Adebayo Aderinbiye, Chairman, Veteran DJs; Bankole Ogunseye (DJ Banky); Okafor Onyinye (DJ Honeyinmix); Okeowo Rasheed, Chairman, DJAN Oyo State; Ismael Lateef (DJ Africa), Secretary; DJ Face, Veteran Vice Chairman; Steve Eguaoye (DJ Rap); Emmanuel Oluseyi (DJ Whiz); Gbenga Adekunle (DJ Gbegus Crown); Salawu Idowu Abolu (DJ Collabo), Vice Chairman; Damilola Oladehin, Member, Organizing Committee; Victor Paul (Makanaki), Member, Hyplords; Odugbesan Adekunle, Assistant Secretary, Mix and Mic Committee; Abimbola Smart, Member, Organizing Committee; Odita Oluwaseun, Chairman, Mix and Mic Organizing Committee; Afolabi Oluwaseun, Chief of Staff, Agency; Asiwaju YSO Oladunni; Mr. Olusumbo Sangogade, CD, Agency; and Mr. Oluseye Osungbaro, Director of Administration and Supplies.
