THE UCMAA EVENT

Course Code - MAS 124

Course Title - Online Journalism (2)

Faculty - Social Sciences 

Department - Mass Communication 

Lecturer - Dr. Theresa Ifeoma Amobi (Assoc. Professor) 

Below are the Names and Matriculation Numbers of the Group members for this assignment. 

BABS INUMIDUN PRAISE 

230912078

AYODELE DORCAS ANUOLUWAPO

230912219

ELUONYE CHINENYE JOY

230912106

NOJEEM SAMIAT MOYOSORE 

230912026

AYINDE JOKE HALIMAH

230912027

OJUKWU CHIEMERIE PROMISE

230912145

ADEKOYA IFEOLUWA ADEDOLAPO

230912043

LIJOKA OYINDAMOLA VICTORIA 

230912208

PRAISE OFFEH TOKONI

230912203

ADEOYE OKIKIOLA FATHIA 

230912093

BASHIR AISHAT ADUKE

230912164

CHINYERE NGOZI CHRISTIAN

230912136

NSO-DIFFANG GEMMIMAH ETAKA 

230912054

OKUBULE OLUWADAMILARE OLUWATOMISIN.

230912010

LADIPO MONISOLA KOREDE

230912221

ISEYEN MAGDALENE ARIT 

230912079

EFFIONG GOODNEWS MOSES

230912069

AJILORE DEBORAH IFEOLUWA

230912050

EGBEMAKINDE AZEEZ PELUMI

230912115

NWANGWU OLUCHI VICTORIA 

230912094

OLUWOLE OLUWAJUWON BALIKIS

230912180

SOSANWO SARAH MODUPEOLUWA

230912052

ADESHINA MOYOSOREOLUWA ANUOLUWAPO 

230912057

SHITTU MISTURA KIKELOMO 

230912053

Junaid Nimota Abioye 

230912160

ASUQUO MBUOTIDEM INIABASI

230912011

THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS MASS COMMUNICATION ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (UCMAA)  EVENT DATED APRIL 16-18

The University Of Lagos Mass Communication Alumni Association (UMCAA) in alliance with the Mass Communication Student Association (MCSA) organized the 6th edition of a 3-day free workshop for the students of the mass communication department.

The workshop was held from the 16th-18th of April 2024 by 10am daily at the J.F Ade Ajayi Auditorium (Main) University of Lagos for the first two days and at the Tayo Aderiokun hall for the last day.

The workshop delved into courses like academic writing, book publishing, book editing, business consulting, marketing communication, branding e.t.c

Experience the Excitement of Day One in the Event

The first day of the event was packed with brilliant insights, dynamic discussions, and an electric atmosphere. The lineup of speakers had the audience on the edge of their seats.

Mr. Remi Ogunpitan kicked things off with a bang, delivering a mind-blowing presentation on "Broadcasting and the Changing Paradigm." His captivating delivery shed new light on the challenges and opportunities within the broadcasting industry, leaving everyone eager to embrace the future.

Next up, Mr. Tunde Odediran took the stage and left the audience in awe with his talk on "Leveraging AI for Better Business Performance." He expertly explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for businesses, sparking lively conversations about embracing technological innovations.

Finally, Ose Oyemadan wrapped up the day with an eye-opening presentation on "Hollywood and Nollywood: Bridging the Divide." His thought-provoking insights highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation to connect the cultural and industry gaps between Hollywood and Nollywood.

The atmosphere was electric, and it was thrilling to see attendees exchanging ideas and connecting over their shared passions. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting happenings at the event.

Enriching the Communication Festival with Diverse Perspectives and Expertise

The second day of the 3-day event continued with two impactful presentations that showcased a variety of viewpoints and knowledge. The esteemed Ted Iwere graced the stage with his highly anticipated presentation titled "Thinking Business in a Fast-Growing Economy," providing valuable insights into navigating the ever-evolving business landscape.

Adding to the day's engaging lineup, the distinguished Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Issa Onilu, shared his expertise in his presentation on "The New Media and National Orientation." Mallam Issa's talk examined the crucial role new media plays in shaping national orientation.

The Town meet Gown Colloquium presentations offered a diverse array of perspectives and expertise, further enriching the Communication Festival. Participants were treated to thought-provoking discussions and ideas that inspired reflection and conversation.

Spotlight on Student Innovation and Networking at Day Two

One of the most exciting aspects of the second day was a student-led workshop that truly showcased the talent and innovation of our attendees. Organized by the UNILAG Computer Science Society, the workshop focused on mobile app development, offering participants a comprehensive guide to building and designing mobile applications using popular development platforms. The workshop was a great success, and it was inspiring to see students sharing their knowledge and skills with their peers.

But the highlights didn't stop there. Day two also featured a valuable networking event that connected students with industry professionals and potential employers. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with representatives from leading tech companies, design firms, and media organizations. The event was filled with insightful conversations and advice, providing students with valuable connections and potential opportunities for internships, jobs, and professional growth.

Overall, the second day of the event was a testament to the importance of fostering student innovation and providing opportunities for meaningful connections between students and industry leaders. We look forward to more engaging workshops and networking events as the event continues to unfold.

The Grand Finale: Inspiring Lectures at Tayo Aderiokun Hall

The grand finale of this remarkable event took place at the prestigious Tayo Aderiokun Hall at the University of Lagos, featuring renowned speakers from various walks of life. The hall, named after the late co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Olutayo Aderinokun, provided an inspiring backdrop for the enlightening lectures that marked the event's conclusion.

The day started off with the introduction of special guests and speakers by;

MRS. REGINA CHRIS-OGBODO.

 The compere of this event who is also a Broadcast Journalist and experienced on air personality and has worked as a news presenter and head of programs at Business Television and WFM 97.1.

Mrs. Regina Chris-Ogbodo was the MC on the third day of the UMCAAITE event held. She is an alumna who contributed munificiently to the UMCAAite event alongside guest speakers in the event. 

She had the privilege and honor of introducing the speakers and distinguished special guest in the wrap of us this event.

The first speaker she introduced was PROF. ADEPOJU TEJUMAIYE.

  The Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Professor Adepoju Tejumaiye who doubled as the anchor and Chairman of the event grace it with pride and passion throughout the program.

  Commending himself for being an UMCAAite (University of Lagos Mass Communication Alumni Association), a graduate of the department, Professor Adepoju Tejumaiye urged students to participate in this sense of vanity upon their own graduation. In his speech, he highlighted the importance significance of attentive listening during the event, focusing on the valuable insights and inspiration that could be gathered from the distinguished speaker and alumni present. He urged students to enclose the knowledge and experiences shared during the event, acknowledging them as priceless resources for their personal and professional evolution, his words served as a leading light, stimulating students to cherish their moment at the university and strive for supremacy in all their attempts.

Next up was PROF. MUSA OBALOLA.

    Prof. Musa Obalola, the Dean of Student Affairs(DSA) of the University of Lagos was a representative of the Chief Host of the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola. The DSA showed his deep joy in being amongst the students, highlighting the undeniable role of education in shaping future journalists. He emphasized that journalism holds an important position in any society, providing specialized knowledge and gaining significant influence. With this power, however, comes great responsibility. He encouraged students to exercise careful consideration before wielding their influence, stressing the importance of using journalism to protect and the serve the people and the society at large.

Prof. Musa Obalola made worthy of notice that in the age of citizen journalism, where individuals have the ability to share, circulate and receive feedbacks of information widely through various platforms. In this era, he mentioned 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 keepers of truth and guardians of democracy, making sure that their reporting serves the greater good and contributes immensely to the society.

Prof. Obalola awarded three students with a bed space each at the event.

Another notable speaker was DR. ADEWALE WILLIAMS.

    Accordingly, his Excellency Dr. Adewale Williams the president of UMCAA, expressed his aim 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. Dr. Adewale Williams aptly stated that 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 more growth for years to come.

Another great speaker to grace the stage was PROF.ADELAJA ODUKOYA

Prof. Adelaja Odukoya, the DEAN of Faculty of Social Science. Graced us with his presence on the final day of this festival as as an impeccable speaker.

Professor Adelaja Odukoya brought his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the event, engaging with attendees and sharing his insights on the importance of effective communication in the social sciences. His contributions to the discussions and debates were invaluable, and we are grateful for his support and participation.

The event was a great success, with thought-provoking presentations, lively discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. We appreciate Professor Adelaja Odukoya willingness to share his time and expertise with us and look forward to future collaborations.

He left the students with sayings like “When you do research, people will search for you” which gave the students the confidence that they needed to charge themselves to be better in any field they want to venture into.

MR SIMON KOLAWOLE was the Guest speaker to take the podium in an esteemed manner. 

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. emphasizing 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.

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 prioritizing 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.

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.

The day finally ended with students interacting with the guest speaker and asking questions on journalism and activism and the guest speaker in turn gave intelligent and clear answers.

The students also participated in games and activities such as “Spin the wheel” to win gifts such as airtime, movie tickets, e.t.c courtesy of UMCAA and MCSA. Two lucky students were also given special gifts.

3 Students from different departments in the Faculty of Social Science won free bed spaces from the DSA(Dean of Student Affairs) and cash gifts from the HOD of Mass Communication Department for being able to sing the UNILAG anthem.

Refreshments were also given to the rest of the student attendees.

This event would not have been possible without the support of the University of Lagos and the University of Lagos Mass Communication Alumni Association (UMCAA). The event was hosted by Adewale Williams, President of UMCAA, and Prof. Adepoju Tejumaiye, Head of the Department of Mass Communication.

Special gratitude goes out to the Chief Host, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos.

The homecoming event was one that uplifted the spirit of students and kept their confidence high.