Staff, listeners and partners of SBS 96.9FM, Ilorin, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, gathered for the station’s annual End-of-Year Get-Together, held to celebrate staff dedication, engage loyal audiences and review the station’s progress over the year.
The event opened in the morning with a Penalty Challenge, fun games and a lively 5-a-side football match, which kicked off at 8:30am and drew active participation from staff and invited guests.
Activities later shifted to the evening session with a welcome address by the Chairman of SBS FM, Alhaji Salman Babatunde. He appreciated staff for their commitment and thanked listeners and partners for their continued support, reaffirming the station’s focus on community-centred programming and youth development.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to participants in the SBS FM Secondary School Debate Competition, an educational programme previously aired on the station. The competition was open to secondary school students aged 12 to 18 from both public and private schools, including a community school.
The debate sessions were held in the SBS FM studio and broadcast on different Saturdays, featuring two schools per session. In total, 14 schools and two individual contestants participated. While the preliminary and intermediate rounds were aired live, the final individual debate session was showcased as part of the end-of-year activities.
At the prize presentation, Fareedah Aribidesi Qozeem, who emerged first, and Obalowu Muhammad, who finished second, received gift prizes for their performances, while other participants and school representatives were also recognised.
The gathering also doubled as a feedback forum, with participants reviewing the station’s performance over the year. Many commended SBS FM for improved content delivery and stronger community engagement, while calling for increased focus on local programmes reflecting Ilorin and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the event, Dr Ayuba Jabaje urged the station to allow its community impact to speak for itself, noting that third-party testimonials enhance credibility. Others praised SBS FM’s support for grassroots initiatives, including publicity for a Musabaqoh at Alabidun Compound, Ilorin, while calls were also made for more political and policy-focused programmes.
Some participants further suggested the inclusion of Pidgin English alongside English and Yoruba to broaden audience reach.
