National interest, freedom of expression and governance in Africa is the theme for the sixth annual conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).
The event which will also serve as its annual general meeting holds between Wednesday and Thursday this week.
It will feature a special panel discussion on journalism, media sustainability and the consolidation of democracy 160 years after. Iwe-Iroyin, the first newspaper in Nigeria was established in Abeokuta in 1859.
According to a statement by the organisation’s general secretary, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie , the 2 day event takes place at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Kuto in Abeokuta, Ogun State under the chairmanship of former Managing Director of Nigerian Tribune and The Daily Times; Araba Tola Adeniyi.
The key note address will be delivered by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy and former Editor of The Nation Newspaper, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso.
The chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ekiti State; Dr. Kayode Fayemi alongside his counterparts from Lagos; Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Oyo; Seyi Makinde, will be special guests of honour.
The Alake of Egba land; Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (cfr) is the royal father of the day while former Director-General, Voice of Nigeria and former Commissioner for Information, Ogun State; Chief Taiwo Alimi, Chairman, Troyka Holdings; Chief Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman, Editorial Board, The Guardian Newspaper; Mr. Martins Oloja and the Baaroyin of Egba land; Chief Lai Labode will be among guests of honour.
Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun will be the host of the 2 day event.
The statement from the organiser also reveals that a book titled; Fake News and Hate Speech: Narratives of Political Instability, would be presented to the public while another collaboration between the UNESCO and Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria titled Media and Information Literacy Non-Curricula Materials will be formally unveiled.
Other highlights of the 2 day annual conference include paper presentations by scholars on issues of national interest, new media, development communication theorists, gender related issues, journalism among several others.
