Veteran broadcaster, media icon and author, Bimbo Oloyede, has urged media professionals to leverage digital tools, set a responsible development agenda and promote inclusive national discourse.

She stated this at the public presentation of a festschrift in celebration of her five decades of contribution to the nation’s media industry.

Saying journalists must exhibit a high degree of professionalism, she advised, “as stakeholders, it is incumbent upon our industry professionals to efficiently utilise available digital tools, set the development agenda, encourage transparent corporate governance, promote inclusive national discourse and build a productive and engaged citizenry.”

With the evolving political landscape, technological advancements, and the need for national unity and accountability, she observed that the media industry will increasingly become a critical and strategic factor, not only in the development of the nation, but also shaping its future.

Speaking on the festschrift, titled, Communication and media in Nigeria: Celebrating Bimbo Oloyede’s contribution to five decades of theory, practice and transformation, she disclosed that the publication brought together reflections and scholarly contributions from some of the country’s most respected academics, media practitioners, and industry leaders.

To her, “I felt it was important to look at the past, consider the present and also look at the future of our media landscape.”

In addition, she also said the intention was to preserve the nation’s communication and media heritage while bridging the divide between theory and practice.

Targeted at students, educators, researchers and practitioners seeking to understand the evolution of the country’s communication industry, she noted that the book was edited by renowned communication/media scholar and practitioner, Dr. Unwana Samuel Akpan of the University of Lagos.

In his review, renowned journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, described the festschrift as an eloquent demonstration of professional practice meeting academic scholarship.

He noted that the publication represents ‘the town meeting the gown’ in a collaboration capable of contributing meaningfully to the study of communication and media in the country.

The 55 chapter volume interrogates articles in print media, broadcasting, Public Relations, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Nollywood and the history of the nation’s media.

In his foreword, former President Olusegun Obasanjo commended the author for her invaluable contributions to the media landscape in the last five decades.

He further advised the younger generations, “I will encourage them to learn from Bimbo’s example. The media is not a weapon to be wielded against your enemies. It is a light to be shone in dark places. Be persistent but professional. Be critical but fair and objective. And remember that the leader that you criticise today may be the ones that may have to write your foreword tomorrow.”

He added, “as for me, I still value my privacy. I still dislike sensationalism, misinformed, biased and prejudicial statements and criticism. Life is too short not to embrace our public analysts, commentators, and creative performers, many of whom were my friends and some are still my friends.”

On his part, former Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Prof Duro Oni, described Oloyede’s career as a testament to her dedication and passion.

To the don, “as we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded of the power of dedication, hard work and passion. Mrs. Oloyede’s contribution to broadcasting has not only shaped the industry, but also touched countless lives. Her warmth, kindness and generosity have made a lasting impact on those who have had the privilege of knowing her.”

As part of a broader vision, Oloyede revealed she planned to distribute copies to 200 tertiary institutions and private academies offering media and communication studies across the country.

To her, the hope is to document and preserve historical antecedents of the communication industry in the country, and provide a foundational springboard for a vigilant, proactive, ethical and courageous fourth estate.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the Living Legend Media Icon Award to the Publisher of the Vanguard Newspaper Sam Amuka Pemu, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to Nigerian journalism. At 91, he remains the oldest working journalist in the country, Oloyede recalled.

The public presentation marked not only the celebration of Oloyede’s 50 years in the media but also a collective reflection on the past, present, and future of communication and media in the country.

The event, which was supported by the Lagos State government, attracted prominent figures from media, academia, government, and the private sector. It was chaired by former Managing Director of Daily Times Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi,while the festschrift was formally unveiled by the Regent of Ijebu Land, Olorogun Dr. Sonny Kuku.

Some of the prominent personalities who graced the occasion include, former president of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief John Odeyemi, retired Supreme Court Justice Amina Adamu Augie, University of Lagos Vice Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, accomplished chartered accountant Bashorun J. K. Randle, and former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili.

Born in 1954 in London United Kingdom, Oloyede, for over five decades, has shaped the nation’s media industry with unwavering dedication.

The Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2026 in Lagos.