Report of the highlights and insights shared during the 3-day Communication Festival organised by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Alumni Association.
With the collective efforts of the executive members and valued alumni, we returned to our Alma mater with the noble intention to inspire and organise valuable presentations for Unilag Mass Communication students. The communication festival was indeed an extraordinary journey of learning, growth, and camaraderie.
Distinguished members of the alumni body attended the occasion, delivering impactful presentations that left lasting impressions on all attendees, especially the students. The Town meet Gown Colloquium was organised for the first two days of the communication festival, this provided an engaging platform for insightful presentations, fostering dialogue and collaboration.
The first day commenced with three thought-provoking and insightful presentations. Mr. Remi Ogunpitan, a broadcast industry luminary wowed the audience with his exquisite delivery and presentation on “Broadcasting and the Changing Paradigm”. The presentation provided a compelling exploration of the evolving landscape of broadcasting.
Participants found his insights to be enlightening, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry especially in the new media era. The distinguished and articulate, Mr. Tunde Odediran continued, seamlessly, from where Mr Remi Ogunpitan left off, enrapturing the topic titled “Leveraging AI for Better Business Performance”. The session delved into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing business performance. His presentation sparked lively discussions, highlighting the significance of embracing technological innovations in today’s competitive market. The sagacious and award winner, Ose Oyemadan presentation on “Hollywood and Nollywood: Bridging the Divide” shed light on the interplay between Hollywood and Nollywood, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in bridging cultural and industry gaps. Attendees found this session to be both insightful and enlightening.
The second day continued the momentum with two impactful presentations. The illustrious Ted Iwere was expectedly at home with his presentation titled “Thinking Business in a Fast-Growing Economy”. The presentation provided valuable insights into navigating business in a rapidly evolving economy. The students and other participants were inspired by his perspective, particularly his emphasis on business ownership and autonomy. The dignified Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Issa Onilu’s presentation on “The New Media and National Orientation” explored the role of new media in shaping national orientation. Attendees gained valuable insights into the power and influence of digital platforms in shaping public perception and discourse.
The Town meet Gown Colloquium presentations offered a diverse array of perspectives and expertise, enriching the Communication Festival with valuable insights and stimulating dialogue. The contributions of each presenter contributed to a dynamic exchange of ideas, further strengthening the bonds between academia and industry within the University of Lagos Mass Communication community. It is important to note that all the presentations were made by graduates of our highly revered Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos.
Day one and Day two of the festival featured speed mentoring sessions facilitated by esteemed alumni members and this provided students with invaluable opportunities to engage directly with industry professionals and receive personalised mentorship. These sessions were characterized by dynamic exchanges and meaningful connections, empowering students with guidance and insights to navigate their academic and professional journeys. The alumni shared their wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering practical advice, career insights, and networking opportunities.
Through one-on-one interactions, students were able to seek guidance on various aspects of their academic and career paths, ranging from internships and job opportunities to personal and professional development. Allow me to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the alumni who generously contributed their time, expertise, and passion to make to the speed mentoring session a resounding success. Thank you, Mr. Lekan Otufodurin, Mrs. Regina Chris-Ogbodo, Mr Emmanuel Malagu, Mr Yinka Padonu, Mr Raphael Idu, Dr Ifedolapo Ademosu, Mrs. Bolatito Puddicombe, Ms. Omoye Evbota, Mr. Yemi Arawore. Your unwavering commitment to the development of the next generation of communication professionals is truly commendable.
The grand finale of the festival rounded off with the Distinguished Lecture Series which started with the introduction of special guest of honour by the compere, the ever delectable Mrs. Regina Chris-Ogbodo. The esteemed President of the UMCAA, the ever sapient Mr. Adewale Williams beautifully set the ball rolling for the event by extending heartfelt congratulations to all students for their active participation in the festival, recognising their role in making the event a resounding success. He underscored the importance of the Communication Festival as a platform for alumni to give back to the alma mater that shaped them, highlighting the invaluable contributions of the University of Lagos Mass Communication community.
In his address, President Williams expressed his hope for the continuation of the Communication Festival, emphasizing its potential to become a recurring event that enriches the academic and professional landscape of the university. He commended the Department of Mass Communication for their unwavering support, acknowledging their pivotal role in the success of the festival. The President Williams aptly stated, the Communication Festival marks the beginning of great things for the University of Lagos Mass Communication community. With his leadership and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, the festival is poised to evolve into a beacon of excellence and innovation, fostering collaboration, inspiration, and growth for years to come.
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The Chief Host of the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola was ably represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Musa Obalola. The DSA expressed his profound delight in being amongst the students, emphasizing the indispensable role of education in shaping future Journalists. He emphasized that journalism holds a pivotal position in any society, providing specialized knowledge and wielding significant influence. With this power, however, comes great responsibility. He urged students to exercise careful consideration before wielding their influence, emphasising the importance of using Journalism to protect and serve the people and society at large.
He noted that in the age of citizen journalism, where individuals have the ability to disseminate information widely through various platforms. In this era, Prof. Obalola stressed the importance of upholding journalistic ethics and principles, even in the face of rapidly evolving media landscapes. He encouraged students to embrace their roles as custodians of truth and guardians of democracy, ensuring that their reporting serves the greater well and contributes positively to society.
The Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Professor Adepoju Tejumaiye who doubled as the Host and Chairman of the event radiated pride and enthusiasm throughout the event. Proudly hailing himself from being an UMCAAite (University of Lagos Mass Communication Alumni Association), a graduate of the department, Professor Tejumaiye encouraged students to share in this sense of pride upon their own graduation. In his address, he emphasised the importance of attentive listening during the event, underscoring the valuable insights and inspiration that could be gleaned from the distinguished speaker and alumni present. He urged students to embrace the knowledge and experiences shared during the celebration, recognising them as invaluable resources for their personal and professional growth, his words served as a guiding light, inspiring students to cherish their time at the university and strive for excellence in all their endeavors.
The Distinguished and articulate CEO of the Cable News, an online news media, Mr. Simon Kolawole, was the guest speaker at the event. He spoke on the profession of journalism and activism. emphasising the paramount importance of objectivity in journalism. Objectivity, he highlighted, is the cornerstone of credibility in journalism, demanding that journalists rise above personal biases to deliver balanced and fair reporting. Emotional detachment from the news is crucial, enabling journalists to delve deep into the root of a story and present the facts objectively.
The speaker also addressed the growing trend of activists entering the field of journalism, noting the potential clash between activism and the principles of journalism. While activists may champion causes, journalists must prioritise presenting facts without bias or omission. Transparency is key, and journalists who double as activists must disclose their dual roles to maintain integrity.
Moreover, the speaker discussed the convergence between journalism and activism, emphasising the need for careful management to avoid compromising journalistic principles. Journalists should provide coverage that meets the needs of the audience while collaborating with activists to champion important causes. However, it is essential to maintain the distinction between the roles of journalists as gatekeepers and activists as advocates. Mr. Kolawole underscored the critical role of objectivity in journalism and cautioned against the potential pitfalls of activism overlapping with journalistic integrity. By adhering to ethical standards and prioritising factual reporting, journalists can uphold the trust of their audiences and fulfill their duty as watchdogs of society.
The speaker highlighted the potential for convergence between journalism and activism, emphasising three Cs to note:
Coverage: Journalists should provide the necessary coverage for activist’s causes, utilising tools such as hashtags and concentrated coverage to amplify their message.
Collaboration: There is an opportunity for journalists to collaborate with activists.
Championing activists causes by providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
While journalists have a gatekeeping role in ensuring the dissemination of accurate information, they should strive to maintain objectivity and emotional detachment. It’s important to recognise that being different does not necessarily mean these roles are mutually exclusive.
The speaker cautioned, however, that the convergence between journalism and activism should be carefully managed. While collaboration can be beneficial, it’s crucial to uphold the principles of journalistic integrity and avoid compromising the impartiality and credibility of news reporting. By navigating this convergence with caution and transparency, journalists can effectively serve as watchdogs of society while also giving voice to important social causes.
Professor Ismail Ibraheem, a distinguished Professor of Journalism and Media Studies, echoed the sentiments expressed by the guest speaker, underscoring the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity while acknowledging the potential for collaboration between journalism and activism. He commended the guest speaker for delivering an insightful lecture that shed light on this complex issue.
Furthermore, Professor Ibraheem expressed gratitude to the alumni association for their efforts in organizing the event. He recognised the significance of bringing together alumni, students, and industry professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas. This collaborative effort, he emphasized, is essential for advancing the field of journalism and ensuring its continued relevance in today’s society.
As a respected figure in the field of journalism and media studies, Professor Ibraheem’s endorsement further validates the importance of the topic discussed and the impact of the Communication Festival. His support serves as a testament to the value of such initiatives in fostering intellectual discourse and promoting excellence in the field of communication.
The entrance of Professor Laja Odukoya, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Science, brought a fresh perspective to the event, as he addressed the audience with the fervor of an activist. Drawing inspiration from the famous Socratic aphorism, “An unexamined life is not worth living,” Professor Odukoya emphasised the importance of seeking and uncovering truth within the context of communication.
His passionate delivery captivated the audience, as he urged communicators to adopt the ethos of a Socratic communicator – one who is knowledgeable and committed to the pursuit of truth. Professor Odukoya stressed the significance of research in this endeavor, highlighting its transformative power in establishing credibility and attracting attention.
By encouraging communicators to engage in rigorous research, Professor Odukoya instilled a sense of purpose and responsibility within the audience. He said that through the diligent pursuit of knowledge and truth, communicators can not only enrich their own lives but also make meaningful contributions to society.
Overall, Professor Odukoya’s impassioned address left a lasting impression on the audience, inspiring them to embrace the role of Socratic communicators and embark on a journey of intellectual inquiry and discovery.
The students also engaged the guest speaker, posing questions on the intersection of journalism and activism. The guest speaker’s responses were both insightful and illuminating.
To the students, I trust that you have been deeply inspired by the wealth of knowledge and experience shared with you throughout these enriching presentations and mentoring sessions for the last three days. Remember, the insights gained and the connections forged during this Communication Festival are not merely fleeting moments, but treasures to be cherished and nurtured.
Keep these lessons close to your heart as you journey forward in your academic and professional pursuits. Let the wisdom imparted by our distinguished alumni serve as guiding lights, illuminating your path to success and fulfillment in the field of communication.
As a student of the Department of Mass Communication, embrace the challenges ahead with courage and determination, knowing that you carry within you the spirit of resilience and the power of knowledge instilled by this festival. May you go forth with confidence, inspired to make a meaningful impact in the world of communication and beyond.
Indeed the homecoming event was a testament to the enduring spirit of the University of Mass Communication Alumni Association, showcasing the dedication of its members to giving back to the alma mater and empowering the next generation of communication professionals.