MOMENT WITH PASCAL SEGUN
Let's begin from the name MC Gilgal. How did you come about it?
Hmm... 12 years ago while I was praying with one of my father in the Lord concerning my business as the scripture says that whatever you wish to do on earth put God first so I decided to seek the face of the Lord concerning my life and business and you know God said those who seek after him shall find him. So while praying the spirit of the Lord led us to Joshua chapter 5 verse 9. We all know the story of the Israelite and Joshua but that particular verse says : And the Lord said into Joshua,this day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day. So the Lord said He has turned away my reproach to Glory. That is where I derived the name Gilgal.
How has the journey into media been for you?
Journey into media is not an easy journey so to say. I came into media through my mentor and boss prince Adedeji Ademuyiwa Kokoro Oro some years back. Although, before then, I was acting in the Christian Film Industry. So, it was a little bit easy for me to catch up on all what he was teaching us because I was not the only one with him. My boss is a disciplined man and he is also easy to go along with. He will always pitch us with one or two roles to play on his programs so he makes it easy for us to catch up on time. There is a quote I learnt from him : If you venture into the media and you don't have anything to rely on to sustain you in the journey,it is likely possible you fail. I quit teaching for media. I was once a classroom and subject teacher in a secondary school at a time. It got to a point that everything is good not to say otherwise. I had to quit media to look for a job because I had no one to sponsor and cater for me. I later found a job which makes it easier for me to continue my media practice. I have programs I host on my own and everything is becoming a fulfillment. So, in life you have to suffer to make it because no one is interested in your suffering they are only waiting for you at the end of the road to celebrate your success.
The recent times have witnessed the emergence of radio stations across the country. What are those qualities that distinguishes a good radio station from the one that is just existing?
Every radio station has its own way of communicating with the public and also have the mission guiding the station. However, there are certain things a good radio station has that distinguish them from others. To clarify this I will mention few things,the number one thing is Quality. Quality sound, quality content and quality branding. Secondly, they provide listeners with information that is relevant to them. They should have entertaining programs and intelligent presenters. Lastly, they always give out national and international news to the listeners. These are few qualities that distinguish a good radio station from others.
Media houses have become chicks under the wings of politicians. How true is this assertion?
It depends on the management of the station and also the connection between them. One thing is that if one of the managers of the station ventures into politics, automatically, saying the truth have to stop because they won't be able to go against or say anything contrary about the sponsors. I won't say much about this because we all know that most media houses are owned by politicians.
Do you think media houses are still in the forefront of educating the citizenry about their rights as a people?
Of course yes,you know radio is a powerful mass medium used in educating, disseminating information, imparting instructions. It spreads information to a population thereby saving time, energy, money and man power in an efficient way to educate them on there ups and doing. So we have many media houses who fights for the right of the people and also do programs on educating people to know their rights and the constitution guiding them. We also see media houses partnering with human right activists for effective actions.
What are those things you will consider to be lacking in our media houses?
Many media Practitioners are facing an era of active citizens and are over-strained. They not only need to understand the new public and their newly adopted behavior as contributors but they also need to understand the audience desire to collaborate with media personnel. However, what is needed most is the support from media house management and guidelines to enable effective collaboration and co creation with the public in newsroom another thing is that they should apply techniques and tools to manage and verify the data. Mind you what remains vital are the core value of media to filter,edit, check analyze and comment fundamentals of verification that have existed for decades.
Many Nigerians prefer to listen to foreign news because they believe more on what they hear that the news at home. What do you think are responsible for this?
Let me start with this, many journalist are exposed to risks and threats. The risks and threats stem from geopolitical changes and as well as a perceived loss of neutrality for journalists. There are direct and often physical threats to reporting particularly in conflict zones, another thing is lack of numeracy in newsroom, confusing the medium with the message, poor or average quality of new people coming into journalism, information overload, writer's block, missing deadlines, lack of editorial leadership and lack of credibility generally and specifically.
Let's now talk about Gilgal radio. What prompted the idea?
As our work is to stand for the masses and serves as intermediary between the government and the less privilege. So Gilgal Radio is established to speak for the masses,to guide them on how to maintain and use their right judiciously
Was it a influenced by the pandemic or some other events?
Not at all it has been ordained and destined to be and now it's coming to fulfillment
What are the major challenges you encountered while going about it?
Hmm... Challenges so far, the scripture confirmed it that in life there shall be tribulation but we should cheer up that we have overcome the world. The major challenges I encountered was in the first instance I couldn't see people who believe in my vision. They were like : Are you serious in what you are saying? How could that be and all sorts of discouraging words. Another thing is financial stability .
What do you intend for Gilgal radio to be known for?
Already, we are known for integrity and also been the voice of the voiceless and standing as intermediary for goods and services.
How do you get people to listen to you?
God has been helping us so far we have many platforms where we communicate with people and engage them to listen to us. We have our Radio app which is Gilgal Radio where you can also read latest updates on both local and international news. It is available on play store. Kindly search, download Gilgal Radio and install the app to listen to us 24/7. Another thing is through sharing of information about programs and other activities of the station.
It is capital intensive?
(Smile) Everyone knows that any business you want to venture in must require capital. Thank God we are still moving we will not relent until we achieve all.
Where do you see Gilgal radio in the next five years?
As motto is .... Shinning to the peak. Before then, Gilgal Radio will be the talk of the world and very soon, we will also be on frequency modulation(FM)
What advice do you have for people interested in starting an online radio.
The number one thing is financial stability because without capital nothing can be done, secondly consult expert and the people who are in the business already and lastly make proper planning for you not to opt out suddenly.
We have come to the end of this eye opening interview. You can follow my guest on the following social media platforms.
Facebook: Pascal Segun mc Gilgal
WhatsApp: 08164077370
Instagram : mc- gilgal
Website : www.gilgalsupdate.buzz
Till next time, I am yours truly,
Julius Topohozin.
