The former Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan, has been honoured by the Department of Mass Communication, Kings University, for being an outstanding mentor to young communicators in Osun State.
Professor Mabolaje Aluko, Dean, Faculty of Humanities, presented the award of recognition to him.
Omipidan in his words charged mass communication undergraduates and upcoming journalists on the need to hone strong communication skills, be adaptable, and remain resilient in the face of industry flux.
The former Chief Press Secretary, who was represented by Mrs. Eyitayo Aluko at Kings University, Ode-Omu, Osun State, delivered a captivating lecture on “Breaking into the Industry: Insider Tips for Launching Your Communication Career.”
The event was organised by the University’s Department of Mass Communication.
While reacting, Omipidan, from his rich reservoir of experience, outlined a roadmap for budding communicators to carve their niche in the competitive field and emphasised the pivotal role of education, advocating degrees in communication, journalism, or related fields as foundational pillars for success.
Central to Omipidan’s discourse was the imperative of honing strong communication skills, and he underscored the significance of active listening, articulate expression, and effective idea dissemination.
Particularly, he emphasised the criticality of writing prowess, urging students to immerse themselves in writing to excel in the media space.
Omipidan highlighted the necessity of practical experience, urging students to seek internships and volunteering roles to complement theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills. He extolled the virtues of networking and mentorship, emphasising their catalytic roles in career progression.
Omipidan, who apart from receiving award, also doubled as the guest speaker at the Programme, underscored digital communication as a hallmark of contemporary media.
He stated the importance of digital proficiency, urging students to leverage online platforms to showcase their skills and cultivate a personal brand.
The former Political Editor of The Sun Newspapers reflected on his own journey and encouraged students to embrace entry-level positions as stepping stones to professional growth.
“The field of communication can be competitive, but with dedication, hard work, and a positive attitude, you can achieve success and stand out as a communicator.
“By actively working on improving your communication skills and other tips discussed, you can set yourself up for a successful career in communication as a student,” Omipidan noted.
He urged the students to “resolve to stand out and be willing to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the industry.”
Be adaptable and resilient in the face of industry flux, Omipidan charges young communicators
