The Oyo State Correspondent of The Guardian, Rotimi Agboluaje, has emerged as Secretary of the Oyo State chapter of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) following the inauguration of the association’s state chapters across the South-West.

Agboluaje was inaugurated alongside other executive members during ACSPN’s South-West three-in-one webinar and leadership inauguration held virtually on Wednesday.

The event, themed: “Elections, Conflict and Security: Reappraising the Role of Media and Communications,” brought together communication scholars, media professionals, researchers and practitioners to deliberate on the role of the media in promoting peaceful elections, conflict management and national security.

The Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, delivered the keynote address, while the National President of ACSPN and Professor of Public Relations at Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, attended as the Special Guest of Honour.

The programme was moderated by the association’s South-West Vice-President, Mr. Lanre Arogundade.

Other speakers included the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University, Prof. Jide Jimoh; Dr. Adeola Oyeleke of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Dr. Jide Johnson of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos; and the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Olumuyiwa Popoola.

A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of new ACSPN chapters in Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, a move aimed at strengthening professional collaboration, research, mentorship and policy engagement across the South-West.

In Oyo State, Prof. Titiloye Ojo of Koladaisi University, Ibadan, was inaugurated as State Coordinator, while Agboluaje was sworn in as Secretary. Other officers are Dr. Olayinka Okeya of Ajayi Crowther University as Treasurer; Mrs. Olawore Opeyemi of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Mobilisation Officer; Tumilara Ademujimi of Splash FM, Ibadan, Publicity Secretary; and Dr. Onaolapo Ibrahim of Koladaisi University as Welfare and Logistics Officer.

Speaking after the inauguration, ACSPN National President, Prof. Olatunji, congratulated the South-West Vice-President, the newly inaugurated coordinators and officers of the four state chapters, describing the event as another milestone in advancing the association’s objectives.

“I heartily congratulate the Vice-President, South-West of the ACSPN, the newly inaugurated coordinators and officers of the four state chapters—Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos—as well as the entire South-West and national ACSPN on the success of today’s three-in-one events: the keynote speech by the Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi; inauguration of state chapters; and the empowerment series on public relations measurement and evaluation.

“These events symbolise our collective commitment to promoting the ideals and noble goals of ACSPN as handed down by our founding fathers. I thank you all for your attendance and support,” Olatunji said.

The association said the inauguration of the state chapters would deepen its presence across the South-West and provide stronger platforms for collaboration among communication scholars and professionals while promoting excellence in communication education, research and practice.