The wide acceptance of the internet and social media in the twenty-first century has facilitated easy information access. This greater access has also presented fresh difficulties, including the dissemination of false information. Nowadays, misinformation quickly flies around the world with disastrous results.
Fake news, propaganda, and disinformation campaigns—all of which can have major effects on individuals, groups, and society at large—are among the several ways that misinformation might manifest itself. However, in a period when the world is plagued with the growing dangers of the internet, digitalisation has also enhanced the virality of innovations through the birth of social media. The media landscape in Nigeria is also not neglected in this development. There is Solution Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Investigations, and even Business, but there is Seye Kehinde, who has taken it upon himself to serve as the link between the people and their culture.
There is no doubt that the efforts of Dr. Seye Kehinde have reshaped the Nigerian media environment. His efforts at City People Magazine have greatly influenced the current media and entertainment scene in the country. The launch of City People Magazine, a weekly journal in Nigeria that highlights biographies of well-known personalities in politics, the media, and the entertainment industry, quickly gained nationwide recognition. He oversaw the magazine’s meteoric climb from scratch to popularity. While this magazine has achieved more than just spreading Nigerian culture all over the globe, notable Nigerians also get the chance to share their personal life and stories.
Dr. Kehinde has spent over three decades telling stories, promoting culture and heritage, using his level of professionalism and foresight to help shape people’s perception. His contributions to media and journalism clarify positively his place, passion, and zeal for storytelling, standing as a testimony to his tireless thirst for excellence.
Although born on April 21, 1965, in Ibadan, Dr. Kehinde is originally from Ishara, Ogun State. He has shown keen interest in reading, writing, and storytelling from a tender age, which in fact moulded him to become the man we are celebrating today. His love of the press and his society motivated him to pursue a Post-graduate Diploma in Journalism following studies in Political Science and History at Obafemi Awolowo University. He really is a multi-skilled man.
Beginning his career with the then-popular magazine, Newswatch, he has over the years broadened his portfolio by working with other prestigious media outlets, including The Herald, African Concord, and The Sunday Tribune. But his greatest accomplishment today began in 1996 with the launching of “City People Magazine.” Most Nigerian periodicals of this era concentrated solely on politics and business, therefore neglecting the daily events of the country. Driven by vision, he started a magazine honouring people’s rising interests in entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle by gathering genuine people, real culture, and real stories.
The media has been a watchdog, keeping public office holders accountable for their acts, therefore completely forming and moulding Nigeria’s democracy. Investigative media have exposed many incidents of corruption, abuses of human rights, and other forms of misconduct endangering accountability and effective government. The media has also encouraged public debate and involvement by giving a forum for the masses, therefore helping people to more successfully participate in the democratic process. Moreover, the media has supported electoral responsibility by closely examining political parties and official behaviour and by enlightening citizens on prevalent problems and policy discussions.
Despite these efforts by the Nigerian press, a dynamic and independent media is still very vital for Nigeria’s democratic survival and the production of a better informed and involved population. This is perhaps what Dr. Kehinde discovered as a creative before the establishment of City People Magazine. It is evident that journalism has evolved and greatly helped to consolidate democracy in Nigeria through the power to be accountable and the amplification of underprivileged voices.
The City People Magazine has had a consequential influence on Nigerian media since its establishment in 1996. The magazine has been instrumental in boosting Nigerian talent and culture. For example, the City People Entertainment Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in Nigerian entertainment, politics, and media. City People Magazine also aims to increase the diversity in the media of the country by allowing Nigerian politicians, artists, musicians, and leaders a platform to present their stories, ideas, breakthroughs, and experiences. Furthermore, the magazine’s global reach to countries like Ghana has encouraged Nigerian culture to grow beyond its borders. Also, its respect for Islamic musicians is a testament to its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. Not only that, but this magazine has been very important in helping the media milieu of the country to promote cross-cultural engagement and honour excellence in various sectors.
Three significant factors have kept the City People Magazine relevant to date, and they are: versatility, creativity, and adaptability of the management. Dr. Kehinde‘s flexibility has enormously contributed to the everlasting relevance of the magazine not only in Nigeria but also worldwide. Knowing that the world revolves around the theory of evolution, he has frequently demonstrated his adaptability to fit in with current realities. His strategic decision to initiate an online distribution of the magazine using the wide reach of social media showcases his evolution and adaptability as a creative. The recent usage of social media platforms, such as Facebook, has maintained the magazine’s relevance among young people. Dr. Kehinde‘s ability for diversity and innovation has greatly added to the attractiveness and longevity of the magazine; City People has evolved today into a dynamic venue for the presentation of talent, social concerns, and culture.
On his 60th birthday, his path reveals that with tenacity, creativity, and commitment, anything under the sun is possible. His legacy demonstrates how effectively flexible and creative leadership can be applied to attain lifetime achievement. On his 60th birthday, we celebrate the amazing journey and numerous ways Dr. Seye Kehinde has impacted the media space in Nigeria. Everyone should, in fact, aim to be as creative and successful as Dr. Kehinde, who made City People Magazine a prominent player in politics, culture, and entertainment. Over the years, City People Magazine has largely promoted the country’s legacies nationally and internationally.
Therefore, when we ponder on Dr. Kehinde’s achievements, we are reminded of the never-ending significance of passion, hard work, and innovation to change industries and inspire generations because his impact goes beyond the pages of the magazine, since he has enabled Nigeria’s media industry to grow more rapidly. As Dr. Kehinde opens this new chapter of his life and looks forward to many more years of creative expression, cultural development, and advancement, we honour his accomplishments.
Here are too many more years of the outstanding leadership of Dr. Kehinde and the continuing relevance and brilliance of City People Magazine.