Atótó Arere Online TV launched in Kwara with N100 Million Studio Fundraising drive

Atótó Arere Online TV, a Yoruba-focused digital media platform, was officially launched on Tuesday July 08 2025 at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Offa Road, Ilorin, THE PRIME NEWS reports.

The event also marked the kickoff of a N100 million fundraising campaign to establish a state-of-the-art studio for the platform.

In his opening address, the founder, Ogbeni Musa Ibrahim Alagunmu, stated that the platform was birthed out of a passion to preserve Yoruba heritage and improve local content dissemination in Nigeria’s media space.

He noted that the initiative would not only promote language and culture but also create employment opportunities for youths in Kwara and beyond.

Alagunmu appealed to well-meaning individuals and organizations to support the studio project and provide essential equipment to enhance operations even before the studio’s completion. He expressed gratitude to attendees and prayed for their continued support.

Representing the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, the Senior Special Assistant on Communications, Mallam Ibraheem Abdullateef, praised the founder and management for their foresight in embracing digital journalism. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the media, noting that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is a media-friendly leader who prioritizes the welfare of media practitioners. Abdullateef urged Atótó Arere to uphold journalistic ethics and maintain diligence in their work.

The Chairman of the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ), Kwara Chapter, Alhaji Tunde Akanbi, called for greater solidarity among journalists and expressed disappointment at the absence of invited politicians, whom he believed should have attended to honor a journalist contributing to the state’s development.

Akanbi pledged to engage with Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye to secure further support and guidance for Alagunmu’s initiative.

Chairman of Serikicom Media Links and mentor to Alagunmu, Alhaji Shola Seriki celebrated the milestone as a proud moment for his protégé, noting that his trainees are making significant strides in the media industry.

He lamented the low patronage of journalists despite their relentless efforts and called for greater recognition of media professionals, particularly by those in political offices.

Seriki emphasized the distinction between bloggers and certified journalists with field experience, urging stakeholders to provide financial support for acquiring modern equipment to enhance media operations.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Musa Nafisa Buge, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, commended Atótó Arere for its resilience and ethical reporting. He assured the platform of the ministry’s support in its endeavors.

As part of the event, Awards of Excellence were presented to deserving individuals who have supported the growth of media and upheld integrity in public service.