By Amb. S. Yasir Abiola
The Founder of Mature Minds Premier Community Media (MAMIPCO), Hon. Ehinafe Odunayo Bola, has revealed that the platform was inspired by his experience of gathering direct opinions and complaints from members of the public for a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose in 2017/2018.
Hon. Ehinafe made this known during a special bilingual anniversary podcast hosted by Amb. S. Yasir Abiola in English and Adewale Ogunsakin in Yoruba, as Mature Minds Premier Community Media marked another milestone in its journey.
According to the Founder, his experience came when he was entrusted with an assignment to interact directly with members of the public and obtain their genuine opinions about the government.
He explained that the responses he gathered and conveyed to the governor were largely different from what the government might ordinarily hear through official channels.
“I thought of establishing Mature Minds platform, where people can say their minds, opinions and complaints about the government, and for the government to see firsthand information from the side of the people,” he said.
Why “Mature Minds”?
Explaining the choice of the name, Hon. Ehinafe said maturity was central to the philosophy behind the platform.
He noted that people must be mature enough to express their opinions truthfully and responsibly, particularly when addressing government and other individuals.
According to him, “Mature Minds” is not an identity restricted to Ekiti State, but a concept intended for Nigerians irrespective of their location or background.
A Platform for Diverse Voices
The Founder also explained that the decision to bring together people from different professions, backgrounds and political orientations was deliberate.
He said society consists of different sectors and perspectives, making it necessary for people from various walks of life to come together, contribute their quota and engage issues affecting the society.
Over the years, MAMIPCO has attracted personalities from different fields, including security personnel, retired military officers, journalists, business people, political actors and officials from institutions such as the EFCC.
He explained that the diversity of the community informed the establishment of rules guiding members’ conduct, particularly the need to avoid abusive and foul language during discussions.
From WhatsApp Community to Digital Media Organisation
Reflecting on the achievements recorded since inception, Hon. Ehinafe said virtually every milestone has given him a sense of fulfilment.
He highlighted the development of a physical office, the establishment of Mature Minds Digital Radio TV, a club and a cooperative society among the major achievements of the organisation.
He further disclosed that the digital radio has expanded into blogging, providing a platform for publishing news and community stories.
According to him, the radio has also enabled Mature Minds to reach audiences beyond Ekiti State, with listeners from countries including The Gambia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia participating in its programmes.
He therefore appealed to individuals and organisations to support the growth of the radio through partnerships, stressing that such support would contribute to the sustainability and expansion of the platform.
Anniversary: Celebrating the People Behind the Platform
On the organisation’s anniversary tradition, the Founder explained that the celebration is held every two years and is primarily designed to enable members who interact virtually to meet physically, strengthen relationships and celebrate one another.
The most recent anniversary celebration was held in Ado-Ekiti on August 21, 2025.
Hon. Ehinafe disclosed that previous anniversary celebrations were not dependent on a single sponsor, but were made possible through contributions from individual members and his personal support.
He described the anniversary as an opportunity for members to move beyond their virtual interactions and see themselves as one community.
Leadership Lessons and the Role of Administrators
Speaking about lessons from the journey, Hon. Ehinafe acknowledged that MAMIPCO has experienced challenges, but described those challenges as part of the growth process.
He said managing the diverse personalities on the platform has broadened his understanding of leadership, people management and community coordination.
One of the important lessons, according to him, is the need for individuals to learn how to manage their emotions, particularly when participating in public discussions.
He also expressed appreciation to the platform’s administrators for their commitment to maintaining order and ensuring that the community’s rules are respected.
A Bigger Vision for the Next Five Years
Looking into the future, the Founder expressed confidence that Mature Minds Digital Radio TV would eventually secure its own radio frequency.
He envisioned an institution that would grow beyond its current structure and continue to provide a credible platform where people’s voices can be heard and, more importantly, where those voices count.
He said the long-term objective is to ensure that Mature Minds Premier Community Media remains firm in its role as a community-focused media organisation.
“Mature Minds Is More Than a Platform”
In his closing message to members, Hon. Ehinafe appreciated their commitment and appealed for greater support and participation.
He urged members to continue to respect the rules and regulations guiding the community, manage their emotions and maintain the spirit of family and shared responsibility.
According to him, members should see themselves as people connected by a common bond rather than merely participants in a WhatsApp group.
“Mature Minds is not just a platform; it’s an organisation that inspires changes in Ekiti State and environs.”
The special anniversary podcast provided an opportunity to revisit the origins of MAMIPCO, examine its transformation from a coordinated virtual community into a growing media organisation, and highlight the Founder’s vision of creating a platform where citizens can express themselves responsibly and where community voices can influence conversations that matter.
— Amb. S. Yasir Abiola
Head of News & Presenter, Mature Minds Digital Radio TV
