By Ogunlana Klistivivi
The 2025 edition of the International Campus Journalists Conference (ICJC) was held on Saturday, May 3rd, at the BOOC Lecture Theatre, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, drawing student journalists, media practitioners, and industry veterans under the theme: “Media for Development: The Media as a Tool for Innovative Drive and Socio-Political Economic Advancement.”
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| ACJOAU Executives with ICJC Panelists |
Organized by the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU (ACJOAU), the conference served as a platform for learning, networking, and critical conversations around the transformative power of media in contemporary society.
Delivering the keynote address, Femi Adesina, OON, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, asserted that media is more than a vehicle for entertainment—it is a pivotal force for social change, innovation, and national growth. He urged journalists to prioritize impact-driven reporting and to resist the lure of sensationalism. “Any media house that forsakes its role in shaping society has lost its essence,” he remarked.
Other speakers at the event included Osarennoma Saba (popularly known as Edo Queen) of Dominion Broadcast Group; Anthony Dimnwaka, OAP with Nigeria Info 99.3FM; Abimbola Abata, investigative reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ); and Afouda Samuel, presenter and CEO of Primus Media City. They offered unique perspectives on ethical journalism, storytelling, and the responsibility of the press in promoting transparency and societal development.
In his welcome address, Olabode Oluwafemi, President of ACJOAU, noted that the conference was aimed at sharpening the vision of young journalists toward national development, while also appreciating the presence of representatives from sister universities and the lineup of seasoned speakers.
The event featured two insightful panel sessions. The first addressed media’s role in development, while the second focused on “The Power of Storytelling in the Media.” During the sessions, panelists like Abata and Dimnwaka described storytelling as journalism’s lifeblood, calling on young reporters to embrace authenticity and reject unethical practices, such as bribery and misinformation.
Highlighting the future of journalism, Akinwunmi Oludiran, a representative of BudgIT and Press Pay NG, introduced participants to BIMI, an artificial intelligence tool designed to assist journalists with data sourcing, fact verification, and content generation. He emphasized that AI should not replace journalists but rather enhance their capacity for credible and efficient reporting.
Professor James Olabisi, the association's staff adviser, reiterated the importance of campus journalism as a microcosm of national media, noting that student reporters have the power to influence both university policy and broader societal discourse.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement of the winners of the Adejumo Kabir Essay Competition, named after the distinguished investigative journalist and OAU alumnus. The competition celebrates excellence in campus journalism and critical writing, with Sheriffdeen Muslim, being the overall winner. The first runner-up, and the second runner-up were Dada Oreoluwa and Oso Samuel, respectively.
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| Sheriffdeen Muslim recieving Certificate as Overall Winner of Adejumo Kabir Essay Competition |
To cap off the event, award plaques were presented to all speakers in appreciation of their contribution, and a vote of thanks was delivered by both the ACJ President and Deputy, Olatimeyin Esther, who expressed gratitude to attendees and wished them safe journeys back to their campuses.
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