The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has urged Nigerian journalists and media professionals to uphold truth, fairness, and professionalism, describing the media as “the lifeblood of democracy and a vital driver of national development.”
She made the call at the 30th post-graduation anniversary celebration of the Association of Mass Communication Students (AMACOS) ’95 Set of the Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic — MAPOLY), where communication scholars and industry leaders gathered to discuss the theme: “Media, Politics, and the Economy: Shaping Narratives, Shaping Nigeria.”
Salako-Oyedele commended the 1995 set for sustaining the spirit of camaraderie and contributing meaningfully to their alma mater through mentorship, endowments, and infrastructural support.
“Alumni are not just products of an institution but partners in its progress. Each alumnus is an ambassador and a reflection of the values, discipline, and excellence the institution stands for,” she said.
She urged journalists to balance freedom with fairness and passion with professionalism, stressing that “truth must remain sacred.”
“The government appreciates the media for advancing transparency but also expects fairness, creativity with caution, and professionalism with passion,” she added.
During the event, the Deputy Governor also unveiled and commissioned the special project of the association for the Mass Communication Department — the Print Studio, which was remodeled and fully equipped by the ’95 set.
She was presented with a memento and an honorary award in recognition of her exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and gracious participation as Special Guest of Honour at the Public Symposium.
Representing former Ogun State Governor and veteran journalist Chief Olusegun Osoba, Barr. Adekunle Adeyemi
described the media as indispensable to democracy and urged practitioners to uphold ethical standards and invest in their alma mater.
“The media is as important as democracy itself. Practitioners must be proud of their calling and defend its integrity,” he stated.
The Olota of Ota, HRM Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Kabiru Obalanlege, PhD, expressed pride in returning to his alma mater to reflect on “The Power of Narratives: How Media Shapes Politics, the Economy, and National Identity.”
He shared how the theme resonates with his own journey — from a village reporter to an academic, and finally to becoming a traditional ruler.
“My entire life embodies the power of narratives,” he said. “From a village reporter to the halls of academia and now the throne, journalism has always been my calling.”
The monarch recalled his time as Public Relations Officer, when his press releases were widely published across major media houses — a success he attributed to strong networks built among AMACOS colleagues.
“They knew me from school. Once they saw my name, they just used the release. That bond of trust and camaraderie is priceless,” he said, before praying that long life and prosperity would be the portion of all AMACOS members.
Moved and inspired by the contributions of the AMACOS ’95 Set, especially while touring the newly equipped Print Studio, the Olota pledged to personally remodel the department’s Broadcast Studio and encourage members of his own set to emulate the gesture by supporting the development of the Mass Communication Department.
Delivering the lead paper on behalf of Chief (Prof.) Fassy A.O. Yusuf, who was unavoidably absent, Adetola Odusote presented the scholar’s reflections highlighting the constitutional duty of the press under Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution to uphold accountability and promote public awareness.
He emphasized the interdependence between the media, politics, and the economy in shaping Nigeria’s national direction, calling for stronger economic literacy in newsrooms.
“The health of the media, the strength of the economy, and the quality of governance are inseparable,” he noted.
Similarly, Dr. Eddy Ademosu, in his paper “From Campaign Narratives to Governance Realities,” called for greater alignment between political promises and governance outcomes, stressing the importance of fact-checking,
investigative reporting, and ethical political communication.
“Authentic, accountable political communication that connects rhetoric to results is essential for enduring democratic dividends,” Ademosu said.
In her paper, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, who is also an alumna of the institution — precisely of the 1988 set — expressed her delight in joining the ’95 set in celebrating this milestone.
Speaking on the topic “Media and the Economy: Narratives, National Development, and Public Perception,” she dissected the roles of the media in shaping national economic discourse and highlighted the challenges journalists face in the line of duty.
To ensure fairness and integrity in reportage, she emphasized the importance of adequate welfare and consistent remuneration for media professionals.
“Media owners must prioritize the welfare of their reporters. A well-supported journalist is a more objective journalist,” she advised.
Also speaking, Prof. Dele Odunlami of Olabisi Onabanjo University delivered a paper titled “Media and the Future: Digital Narrative, Youth Engagement, and Social Change.”
He cautioned against the dangers of misinformation and artificial intelligence, urging journalists and citizens alike to become co-creators of credible content.
“We must be digitally literate and discerning — not just consumers but co-creators of credible information,” he advised.
The four-day celebration, held from Thursday, October 16 to Sunday, October 19, 2025, featured academic, social, and philanthropic activities.
The alumni donated educational materials to a local primary school, Saint John’s Aglican Primary School, Adekanbi Agbena near the polytechnic and refurbished the Mass Communication Department’s radio studio and library — projects valued at over ₦7 million.
The Annual General Meeting also featured constitutional amendments and the swearing-in of new executives led by Mr. Percy Ademokun as President, under the supervision of the AMACOS ’95 Electoral Commission (AEC) chaired by Mr. Taiwo Alimi, Editor of The Nation on Sunday.
The new executives include: Lanre Anjola Oyebode as Vice Presiden1, Korede Ogundiyan as Vice President 2, Owolabi Odesola as General Secretary, Victoria Eniafe as Assistant, Chief Mrs Funlola Kale-Oyenuga as the Treasurer, Kunle Ogbonaiye as Financial Secretart Funmi Adewoju Suleodu as Public Relations and Lekan Babatunde as Assistant, Titi Oworu as Social Sectary and Sola Eden a Assistant, Olaitan Olaniyan as Welfare Officer, and Cecilia Oropo as Chief Whip.
The Gala Night, held at OOPL Marquee Hall, Abeokuta, was the highlight of the event.
It featured the official launch of the association’s yearbook, “AMACOS ’95: Three Decades of Unforgettable Memories”, a 60-page publication edited by Boye Salau, Joke Adisa, Percy Ademokun, Funmi Adewoju Suleodu, Lekan Babatunde, and Tola Odusote.
The Chief Launcher, Mr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, praised the group’s unity and enduring legacy.
Other notable launchers included Mr. Moruff Adenekan, Mr. Sola Oyeyemi, Mr. Femi Adefowokan, Pastor Ayodele Makanjuola, and Hon. Hakeem Adebayo.
Awards were presented to outstanding members including Mrs. Bukola Omolodun, Mrs. Victoria Obasanya, Mr. Gbolahan Majekodunmi, and Chief Seye Kehinde, Publisher of City People Magazine, who received a Special Recognition Award.
The celebration concluded on Sunday, October 19, with a thanksgiving service at Christ Gospel Witnesses Church, Olowo, Abeokuta, followed by a *relaxation and sightseeing tour at Olumo Rock.
The 30th anniversary was a blend of reflection, reunion, and renewed commitment to the ideals of responsible communication and nation-building.
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