By Precious Iwuoha

The Department of Mass Communication, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State has charged students to explore the growing influence of branding, communication strategies, and technology in shaping the future of the media industry.

This was the focus at a media consultancy campaign organised for the 300 level students of the department with the theme, “Empowering Brands: Transforming the Future of the Media.”

Speaking at the event, Mrs Amina Omoike, an advertising expert,
explained that every brand is a media organisation because every brand communicates a message to its audience.

She described Caleb University as a brand and emphasised that organisations must pay attention to their reputation, communication style, and relationship with their audiences.

Mrs Omoike stated that media consultancy is the role of an expert who provides professional advice and strategies to brands and media organisations. She highlighted different forms of media, including television, magazines, and digital platforms, as important tools for communication.

She also identified strategic planning, digital messaging, data interpretation, and emotional intelligence as important skills needed in media consultancy, noting that understanding audiences remains a key part of effective communication.

Dr Monday Ashibogwu , Group CEO, Billsbox Services Limited,
shared personal experiences from his academic journey and encouraged students to view media consultancy as a field that requires creativity, professionalism, and problem-solving skills.

He explained that media consultants help brands identify communication challenges and develop strategies to improve their public image. He challenged the students to think about their responsibilities as future media consultants and asked them how they would approach real-life communication challenges.

Dr Ashibogwu also discussed the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in media consultancy and explained how technology is changing the way media professionals create content, analyse information, and develop strategies.

While speaking on the media industry, Dr Ashibogwu explained the difference between media practitioners and media consultants, adding that journalism, public relations, and media consultancy all contribute to effective communication.

Mrs. Joy Joseph, the Course Lecturer explained that the programme was an avenue for the students to learn from professionals and horn their skills in communications and media consultancy.

“The event was organised to expose the students to best practices in media communications and consultancy. To let them know that there are opportunities in strategic communications where in the changing world of technology, they can use communication to solve problems and make impact.”

The programme was attended by distinguished members including the Dean, College of Communication and Media Studies, Dr Kayode Okunade; Head of Department (HOD) Mass Communication, Dr Sunday Ogbonna; Dr Solomon Oyeleye; Mrs Funmi Falobi; Dr Samson Bello; Dr Charles Adewale.

The event empowered students where they gained more knowledge about the future of the media profession. There were group presentations by the students on strategic communications, event planning and branding. The event left the students with valuable lessons on branding, innovation, and the changing opportunities within the media industry.

As the Ekiti governorship election holds on Saturday, 20th June, 2026, the International Press Centre (IPC) and Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), have reiterated call to journalists and other media professionals to adhere to professional standards while also being safety conscious during coverage.
.
The governorship election is scheduled to hold across 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the state.

IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said the admonition had become necessary in the light of the critical role that the media plays during electioneering processes and elections during which journalists’ safety may be threatened.
“It is very important for journalists covering the Ekiti State election to be safety conscious in the discharge of their duties, and to avoid situations that will put them in harm’s way. Journalists are expected to be non-partisan. Being partisan is not only about being a member of a political party but also includes the use of expressions and/or impressions with statements, tags, symbols and colours that portray or identify with a particular political party or personality, ” he said.

While advising journalists covering the election to be well kitted, he added that, “Journalists who are to cover the elections should ensure that they are fully kitted and accredited to do so, in order to avoid situation wherein security agencies would have to question them or bar them from performing their duties. Journalists, who are not on election duty, should avoid straying into the identified polling units at will during the stipulated period of the election. At all times, journalists covering the elections must have their identification card and press/media tag clearly displayed to avoid undue harassment and unnecessary identity checks by the security agencies. “

Similarly, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director, Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), a partner organisation in the IPC/CEMESO-Safety of Journalists framework, underscored the democratic imperative of journalists safety, noting that the conditions under which journalists are permitted to work constitute a direct measure of a society’s commitment to its own civic values. “Every election is, at its core, a test of those values — and nowhere is that test more visibly administered than in the field.

Amongst other activities, IPC/CEMESO will, during the election, be partnering with the Ekiti State Police Command in ensuring the safety of journalists deployed to the field. Through the IPC/CEMESO safety initiative journalists who face any form of violation or attack on the field can directly reach the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) assigned to that area command/division.

“We expect the security forces to note that the media is a critical part of the electoral process and so the media should be accorded with due rights and privileges to enable them to carry out their social obligations as partners in enshrining the credibility of the electoral process.

“Other stakeholders, including elections observers should also proactively provide journalists covering the elections with information to ensure that all work together for the credibility of the electoral process,” Arogundade stressed.

As part of initiatives to keep tab on the safety consciousness of journalists, IPC/CEMESO said that there are safety alert officers who journalists under threat/attack can report to.

In cases of attacks or insecurity issues, concerned journalists on the field can contact any of the following persons:

Melody Akinjiyan (Press Freedom Officer) – +2348132776441
Stella Nwofia (Monitoring Officer) – +2348063810424
Bukola Obaujo (Monitoring Officer) – +234 8146333108
Naomi Ibrahim (Monitoring Officer) – +2348065545113

Arogundade also encouraged journalists to report any threats to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Chapter.

The deployment of journalists to cover the Ekiti governorship election is not merely a professional exercise; it is an act of democratic service. When a journalist is harassed, barred, or attacked at a polling unit, it is not simply that individual who suffers — it is the electorate that is robbed of the witness it deserves. The partnership between the IPC/CEMESO-Safety of Journalists initiative and the Ekiti State Police Command is a meaningful structural intervention, but it must be understood as a floor, not a ceiling. The real measure of our seriousness will be seen not in the protocols we announce, but in the culture of protection we actually demonstrate on election day,” Dr. Akingbulu declared.

On the broader relationship between security forces and the press during elections, Dr. Akingbulu called for functional collaboration grounded in mutual respect for institutional roles. “The relationship between security personnel and journalists during elections has historically been one of the most contested frontiers in Nigeria’s democratic experience — shaped by mutual suspicion on both sides.
What the IPC/CEMESO-Safety of Journalists initiative field coordination model represents is an attempt to convert that adversarial dynamic into one of purposeful cooperation, not because the press and security forces share the same mandate, but because both are ultimately accountable to the same civic outcome: a credible election. I would, however, caution against a naïve reading of this arrangement. Collaboration must never drift into co-optation. The media’s independence is not a courtesy that security institutions extend to journalists — it is a right guaranteed by the democratic framework within which those institutions themselves derive their legitimacy. Every stakeholder in the electoral ecosystem must internalise that protecting the press is not a favour to journalists. It is an investment in the integrity of the process itself,” Akingbulu said.

Towards the Presidential elections in 2023, IPC launched a safety and professional advisory for the purpose of ensuring journalists who are covering the elections are fully equipped with safety tools and precautions to engage with while on the field.
The PDF Version is on: https://www.ipcng.org/2023-general-elections/

Beyond the Tribe: Caleb University Students Showcase Nigeria’s Rich Cultural Heritage

By Simisola Ogunremi, Okikiola Lawal & Ajuzie Emmanuel

It was a celebration of culture, identity, and national unity as students of the College of Communication and Media Studies (COCOMS), Caleb University, Lagos, staged a Cultural Heritage Campaign themed “Beyond the Tribe: Unity in Diversity.”

At a time when technology and globalization continue to reshape societies and influence cultural values, the event served as a timely reminder of the importance of preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and strengthening the bonds that unite its people.

The event, which had rhythmic beats of traditional drums echoed amid colourful attires representing Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups, lit up the atmosphere with songs, dances, drama, and cultural displays that brought to life the beauty of a nation whose strength lies in its diversity.

Delivering the keynote address, actor, businessman, and creative media strategist, Olanrewaju Olakanlu, popularly known as Mr. Kogberegbe, challenged Nigerians to rise above stereotypes and ethnic divisions by embracing their shared humanity.

Speaking before an enthusiastic audience of students, lecturers, and guests, he stressed that cultural diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than a basis for division.

According to him, friendships and relationships should extend beyond tribal boundaries, as the similarities that bind Nigerians together are often greater than the differences that separate them.

Reflecting on the various cultural performances showcased during the programme, Olakanlu noted that the presentations demonstrated remarkable creativity, collaboration, and mutual respect among students from different backgrounds.

“Culture is more than tradition and entertainment; it contains wisdom, values, and lessons that can help bridge social divides and strengthen national cohesion,” he said.

He described the event as a commendable initiative that reflects the university’s commitment to cultural preservation and appreciation. He particularly praised the dedication and teamwork displayed by the students, noting that their performances went beyond mere entertainment to become powerful expressions of identity and unity.

Olakanlu also highlighted the growing importance of cultural storytelling in an era increasingly shaped by globalization and artificial intelligence. He urged aspiring journalists, broadcasters, and media practitioners to become custodians of Nigerian stories by promoting authentic narratives that preserve cultural identity for future generations.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Mrs. Funmi Falobi, course lecturer for the 100-level Journalism students, emphasized the significance of cultural heritage as a foundation for national development and social harmony.

She noted that cultural gatherings such as the campaign create valuable opportunities for people to appreciate one another’s traditions while strengthening the spirit of unity.

“The theme of this year’s campaign, Beyond the Tribe: Unity in Diversity, reminds us that while our ethnic identities are important, our shared humanity and common aspirations are even greater,” she said.

“Nigeria’s strength lies not in uniformity but in the richness of its many cultures, languages, traditions, and experiences.”

Addressing the students directly, Falobi challenged future media professionals to use their platforms responsibly by promoting understanding rather than division.

“As future journalists, broadcasters, public relations practitioners, and media professionals, you have a responsibility to tell stories that bridge divides rather than widen them. The media possesses immense power to shape perceptions, foster understanding, and promote peaceful coexistence among diverse peoples and cultures,” she stated.

Providing the academic context for the programme, Mrs. Joy Joseph, lecturer for the 200-level students, explained that the campaign was designed to complement two important courses within the college.

She said the event provided practical learning opportunities for students enrolled in Cultural Heritage, a course that examines the preservation and promotion of cultural values and identities, as well as Foundation of Cultural Reporting, which introduces students to the principles of reporting cultures, traditions, and communities with professionalism and sensitivity.

The event also featured a thought-provoking presentation by award-winning investigative journalist with THISDAY Newspaper, Mr. Sunday Ehigiator, who explored the complex relationship between culture and the media.

Ehigiator observed that Nigeria continues to experience the influence of cultural imperialism, with foreign media content increasingly shaping societal values and lifestyles. While acknowledging the media’s role in facilitating cultural exchange, he stressed that it can also serve as a powerful instrument for preserving and promoting indigenous cultures.

He urged journalists to be deliberate in telling authentic Nigerian stories and warned against the growing tendency for social media-driven journalism to prioritize attention and engagement over accuracy and ethics.

According to him, the future of journalism depends on maintaining professionalism, upholding ethical standards, and embracing responsible storytelling.

For many students, the event offered more than academic engagement. It was an opportunity to experience firsthand the richness of Nigeria’s cultural diversity while reflecting on their future roles as communicators and storytellers.

As the colourful displays, energetic performances, and cultural exhibitions unfolded, one message resonated throughout the event: Nigeria’s diversity is not a weakness to be managed but a strength to be celebrated.

The Cultural Heritage Campaign, which formed part of the Continuous Assessment exercise for 200-level Mass Communication students and 100-level Journalism students, attracted students, lecturers, and distinguished guests, including the Dean of the College of Communication and Media Studies, Dr. Kayode Okunade.

By the end of the programme, the message was unmistakable: beyond tribe, language, and ethnicity lies a shared Nigerian identity—one that can flourish when culture is preserved, celebrated, and passed on to future generations.

UN Women, TY Danjuma Foundation launch agro-processing centre in Kwali

Rural women in Great Sheda Community, Kwali Area Council in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, are set to benefit from improved livelihoods and enhanced economic opportunities following the launch of a new Agro-Processing Centre established through a partnership between UN Women and the TY Danjuma Foundation. The Agro-Processing Centre is equipped with a cassava peeling and grinding machine designed to significantly reduce the time and labour required for processing cassava into Akpu, a staple food and important source of income for many women in the community.

For years, women in Great Sheda have relied on manual methods of peeling and grinding cassava, a process that is physically demanding and time-consuming. The introduction of the new machine will ease this burden, increase productivity, improve processing efficiency, and enable women to dedicate more time to other income-generating and productive activities. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by UN Women and the TY Danjuma Foundation to advance women’s economic empowerment, strengthen rural livelihoods, and create sustainable pathways for women to participate fully in local economic development.

Speaking at the launch, Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the importance of investing in rural women’s economic empowerment.
“Today, we are investing in not only in a machine; we are investing in the time, productivity, and economic potential of rural women. By reducing the burden of manual cassava processing, this Agro-Processing Centre will enable women to increase their earnings, pursue other productive opportunities, and strengthen their contribution to the economic development of their families and communities,” she said.

The Chair of the TY Danjuma Foundation, Ms. Hannatu Gentles, also reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to improving the lives of underserved communities through strategic investments in education, health, and economic empowerment.
“We believe in putting economic power directly into the hands of women, the true backbone of our rural economy. The TY Danjuma Foundation is deeply committed to supporting communities that need it most, and we are confident in the capacity of the women of the Akpu Women Association to use this facility to grow their businesses and build better futures for their families,” she affirmed.

The Former FCT Mandate Secretary and Director-General, Mariam Babangida Centre, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi also noted that “When women who have laboured with their hands for decades are empowered with the right tools, they do not only process cassava — they strengthen food security, economic growth, and community resilience.”

Community members welcomed the intervention, describing it as a transformative investment that will improve productivity, increase household incomes, and contribute to the overall development of the community. The Agro-Processing Centre is expected to serve women processors across Sheda and surrounding communities, creating opportunities for increased earnings, improved food processing practices, and stronger local economic growth.

Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments in women’s livelihoods, UN Women and the TY Danjuma Foundation continue to support efforts that empower women as key drivers of economic development, food security, and community resilience.

By SDN

The Nigerian Chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, announced the removal of the name of the Executive Director, International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade, from the Department of State Security’s watchlist after about forty years.
 
IPI Nigeria President, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed made this known in Abeokuta, Ogun State at the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit convened by Journalism Clinic led by veteran Journalist Taiwo Obe with media owners and top editors in attendance.

Mr. Mojeed said the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, informed IPI Nigeria of the development during a recent engagement with the Service.
 
The DSS decision followed sustained and intensive campaign by IPI Nigeria to get Mr. Arogundade’s name removed from the watchlist. The renewed campaign became necessary when Mr. Arogundade’s name was not removed despite previous assurance.
 
For about forty years, Mr Arogundade was subjected to persistent harassment and embarrassment, including brief detention by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
 
IPI Nigeria says it welcomes the decision and commends the DSS for finally removing Mr. Arogundade’s name from the watchlist.
 
Media executives present at the Abeokuta summit applauded the announcement while Mr. Arogundade, who was also among them, expressed his gratitude and that of his family to IPI Nigeria for the commendable effort.
 
Mr.  Arogundade’s journey to the watchlist started during the military regime when he served  as the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) between 1984 and 1985.