Communication experts have identified what it takes to succeed in the competitive media landscape.
They spoke at the first Spark Conference tagged “Africa Unfolds” at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Lagos, hosted by Clove Red Media, an Afrocentric public relations and publicist agency.
The conference equipped final year students with the skills, connections, and insights needed to thrive in the media industry.
It showcased how African talent can shift the narrative around Africa by focusing on the continent’s innovation, creativity, and potential.
Conference convener and Founder of Clove Red Media, Wemimo Obiwale Adewuni, urged students to embrace global relevance, noting that the brilliance of Africans in tech, health, fashion, music and sports cannot be undermined internationally.
She said that despite Africa’s challenges, there are many forward-looking solutions being created within the continent.
She emphasised that every African professional, creative, and entrepreneur is a storyteller, shaping perceptions about Africa with their work.
Adewuni urged the graduating students to be proud of their African ancestry and stand tall in the world of work.
She also stressed the need for consistency and personal branding for visibility.
Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo called on the students to pursue public-interest journalism.
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International pidgin sports broadcaster Chief Suo Chapele shared industry tips for media success.
Fact-checking researcher Allwell Okpi emphasised the importance of fact-checking to Africa’s storytelling.
Public health programme manager Christopher Bassey spoke on solution journalism and AI tools to tackle reproductive health gaps.
The speakers’ diverse expertise provided students with practical strategies and industry truths.
Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Sunday Oloruntola, expressed his satisfaction with the conference’s vision to ensure students graduate industry-ready.
He highlighted that many lecturers come from the media industry, blending academic theory with practical experience.
The inaugural ‘Africa Unfolds Conference’ received support from notable partners such as Health Watch Nigeria, Checkers Custard, Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Africa Check, DEVCOM, Cadbury Nigeria Ltd, and the Faculty of Mass Communications at the University of Lagos.
Africa Unfolds 2025 received over 200 participants, marking a pivotal step in preparing young communicators to shape Africa’s narrative with authenticity, creativity, and strategic vision.
With support, Africa Unfolds would reach larger audiences.