The Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies, The Federal Polytechnic Offa has held an interactive media parley with the theme “The Imperative of Strategic Media Relations for Crisis Communication and Reputation Management.”
Held on Tuesday 9th September, 2025 at the 1000 Capacity Lecture Hall, Main Campus, the event which brought together students, staff, media practitioners, and stakeholders, equally served as a platform to exchange ideas on the role of the media in shaping narratives and fostering effective communication in contemporary society.
In his opening address, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamaru Oluwatoyin FNSE, welcomed participants and admonished journalists to uphold responsibility in their reportage. He cautioned against rushing to publish news items that could negatively impact the nation and emphasized the need for ethical journalism.
Dr. Kadiri further commended the students for their active participation, assuring them of management’s continuous commitment to their welfare.
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 welcome address, the host and Head of Department, Strategic Communication and Media Studies, Dr. Jimoh Olorede, underscored the indispensable role of the mass media in crisis communication and reputation management, stressing the necessity of strategic relations with the media by public relations practitioners.
He emphasized the relevance of the parley’s theme to the department’s vision, which according to him adhered to the objectives of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and aligned with the global best practices.
The host and Head of Department 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, Dr 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, School of Communication and Media Studies, Dr. David Binta Oloyede expressed gratitude to the Polytechnic management, staff, and invited guests for their contributions. He particularly commended Prof. Tejumaiye for his thought-provoking presentation and urged students to put the knowledge acquired into practice.
He also lauded the Rector for offering appointments to the three outstanding students, describing the gesture as a motivating reward for academic excellence.
