The Federal Polytechnic Offa, through its Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies, hosted a media parley on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the 1000 Capacity Lecture Hall, Main Campus.
The event, themed “The Imperative of Strategic Media Relations for Crisis Communication and Reputation Management,” gathered students, staff, media professionals, and stakeholders to explore how media can shape narratives and drive effective communication in today’s society.
In his opening remarks, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamaru Oluwatoyin FNSE, greeted participants and urged journalists to embrace responsibility in their reporting. He warned against the haste to release stories that might harm the country and stressed the importance of practicing ethical journalism.
Dr. Kadiri further commended the students for their active participation, assuring them of management’s continuous commitment to their welfare.
Salient Reporters revealed that “one of the highlights of the day was the recognition of three HND I students whose outstanding presentations earned them appointments into the Polytechnic’s Information and Public Relations Unit through the Institution’s Consultancy Unit, (PolyConsult).”
Delivering his goodwill message, the Head of Department, Strategic Communication and Media Studies, Dr. Jimoh Olorede, underscored the relevance of the parley’s theme to the department’s vision. He encouraged participants to engage deeply with the discussions and apply the insights gained to their professional and academic pursuits.
The keynote speaker, Professor Adepoju Tejumaiye, in his lecture, emphasized that strategic media relations involve cultivating deliberate and positive relationships with journalists, bloggers, and influencers to shape public opinion, enhance reputation, and build credibility. He noted that crisis communication and reputation management are vital tools for protecting organizational integrity, especially in today’s digital age.
According to him, crisis communication requires the dissemination of accurate and timely information to safeguard an organisation’s image, while reputation management entails the deliberate effort to monitor, influence, and maintain public perception.
The Dean of the School of Communication and Media Studies, Dr. David Binta Oloyede, thanked the Polytechnic’s management, staff, and guests for their roles in making the programme successful. He gave special recognition to Prof. Tejumaiye for delivering an insightful lecture that broadened perspectives, encouraging students to apply the lessons learned in their academic and professional pursuits.
He further applauded the Rector’s decision to appoint three students into the Information and Public Relations Unit, describing it as an inspiring recognition of talent and a worthy incentive to promote hard work and academic excellence.
