A public relations agency, Clove Red Media, has equipped youths with the skills, connections and insights needed to thrive in the media industry.

The firm, at its inaugural Spark Conference, titled ‘Africa Unfolds’, showcased African talent, aiming to shift the narrative around Africa by focusing on the continent’s innovation, creativity and potential.

The conference held at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Lagos, gathered students who desire to thrive in the media space.

The convener and founder of Clove Red Media, Wemimo Adewuni, in her welcome address, encouraged students to embrace global relevance in the competitive media landscape.

She noted that the brilliance of Africans in tech, health, fashion, music and sports, among others, could not be undermined.

“Although Nigeria and Africa indeed have a lot going wrong, she insists that many forward-looking solutions are being created within the continent,” Adewuni said.

She emphasised that every African professional, creative and entrepreneur is a storyteller, shaping perceptions about Africa with their work.

Adewuni called on the graduating students to be proud of their African ancestry and stand tall in the world of work.

Giving the opening remarks, 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.

Oloruntola urged students not only to listen and take notes but to actively build connections with industry professionals, emphasising that success today depends heavily on networking and collaboration.

Distinguished speakers, including investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, called on the students to pursue public-interest journalism.

International pidgin sports broadcaster, Suo Chapele, shared industry tips for media success.

A fact-checking researcher, Allwell Okpi, emphasised the importance of fact-checking to Africa’s storytelling.

Public health programme manager Christopher Bassey spoke about solution journalism and AI tools to address reproductive health gaps, while the convener, Adewun, discussed consistency and personal branding for increased visibility.

Their diverse expertise provided students with practical strategies and industry truths.

The 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 Limited and the Faculty of Mass Communications of the University of Lagos.