The Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq., challenged the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) and the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) to take decisive steps in integrating media entrepreneurship into their institutional frameworks.
He articulated that media entrepreneurship has considerable potential to drive societal change and called for a paradigm shift in how communication studies are approached within academic settings.
Amb. Ojo-Lanre disclosed this during an Empowerment Series held today at the Prof Fashina Event Centre in collaboration with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
“Media entrepreneurship is no longer a distant concept; it is an opportunity that permeates our daily lives,” he stated. “The future favours those who harness communication not merely to entertain but also to educate, influence, mobilise, and—most importantly—commercialise.”
Ojo-Lanre provided recommendations for the university and the ACSPN to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship among students. He urged the establishment of hands-on courses in media business, digital skills, and innovation, alongside the creation of media labs, incubators, and student-run enterprises. “Internships and mentorship programmes must be prioritised, offering real-world experience and connections with industry professionals,” he emphasised.
In emphasising the need for diversity in revenue-generating avenues, Ojo-Lanre highlighted the importance of teaching students how to develop their own brands while encouraging ethical practices and innovation. “Let us ensure that students are not just consumers of content but creators, equipped to transform their communication skills into sustainable media businesses,” he remarked.
Amb. Ojo-Lanre inspired the gathering to act swiftly and decisively. “The microphone is in your hands. The platform is at your fingertips. The time is now. Speak. Create. Monetise. Transform.”
The highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq., the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development’s Director General, focused on “Media Entrepreneurship: Harnessing Communication for Entrepreneurial Growth in the Media Sector.”
The gathering attracted notable figures in the media and communications field, including Comrade Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre; Biodun Oyeleye, Secretary of ACSPN; and Prof. Chika E. Asogwa, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, who welcomed attendees. At the same time, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, President of ACSPN, set the stage for rich discussions surrounding media entrepreneurship. The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, who declared the event, commended the Dean for her forward-thinking vision to enhance the faculty’s professional visibility.
