ABEOKUTA – The Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), a body established for the promotion of academic and professional excellence in every field of communication and as part of its efforts in charting a distinct and productive course in global best practices in communication practice in Nigeria, will on 4th and 5th September, 2019 hold its 6th Annual Conference.
The President of the Association, Prof Lai Osho represented by the President South West Zone, Prof Rotimi Olatunji made this known on Thursday at a Press Conference heralding the conference at Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta.
The President stated that the conference with the theme; “National Interest, Freedom of Expression and Governance in Africa”, is slated to hold at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Prof. Olatunji reiterated that the choice of the Conference theme was informed by converging and subsisting issues of freedom of expression, national interest, rule of law, and governance nationality in Africa’s domestic transitions and that the city of Abeokuta was chosen to commemorate the 160th anniversary of journalism practice in Nigeria with the birth of the first Newspaper – Ile Iroyin fun awon Egba ati Yoruba (Newspaper for the Egba and Yoruba people) in 1859.
He added that there would be a launch of the stimulated copy of the Iwe Irohin Newspaper at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
It was further gathered that among eminent personalities expected at the Conference are the; Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as the Chief Host, as well as Governors of Oyo, Ekiti and Lagos States.
The President added that, also, expected are; Lagos State Honourable Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, who will also deliver a keynote address titled; Marketing Government Communication and Programmes in Africa: Issues and Prospects for National Interest and Development.
He stressed that the former Managing Director of Nigerian Tribune and Daily Times, Araba Tola Adeniyi, is the Chairman, of the Opening Ceremony, while other expected personalities are: Former Director-General, Voice of Nigeria, Chief Taiwo Alimi, Chairman, Editorial Board, The Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Martins Oloja.
He concluded that a lead paper presentation will be delivered by Prof. Muyiwa Popoola with its focus on Who Defines National Identity: Perspective on Media and Governance; and a session on the launch of association’s Book series titled; Fake News and Hate Speech: Narratives of Political Instability, would also be part of the conference.
