Category: Featured

Birthday Reflections on a World Gone Soft, by Frank Tietie

Emporium Reporters

“A World Gone Soft” was the title of a feature article in one of the editions of The Economist that I came across while studying law at the University of Benin during the tech boom of the 1990s led by Microsoft.   The article wasn’t solely about Microsoft, if I remember correctly. Instead, it discussed how software would shape the future or how nearly every aspect of our lives would become so digitally “soft,” much like software. This was in 1997.   I was born in Ughelli in the early…

A Tribute to My Dearest Mother, a Princess of Oyo Kingdom

Emporium Reporters

March 15, 2019, will forever remain one of the most painful days of my life—the day I lost my beloved mother, a true princess of the Oyo Kingdom from the noble Ladigbolu descendants. Though six years have passed, the memories remain fresh, and the pain of her absence still lingers. That day, I was at the National Merit House, Abuja, with my colleagues from Save The Consumers Initiative (STCi), marking World Consumers Day. It was supposed to be a moment of celebration, but fate had a different plan. My phone…

NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALIST (NUJ) @70 A Tribute to Courage: Upholding Justice and Protecting Press Freedom in Nigeria By Shua’ibu Usman Leman

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As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists – NUJ from 15th March 1955 to 15th March 2025, it is imperative that we pause to acknowledge and honour our fallen colleagues, tragic victims of impunity. Every act of violence against journalists – be it intimidation, harassment, or murder – constitutes a fundamental assault on the very principles of democracy and freedom of expression that we hold dear. As the esteemed journalist and advocate for press freedom, Anna Politkovskaya, astutely observed, “Without journalism, there are no freedoms.”…

International Women’s Day: A PR Professional’s Guide Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon

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International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, serves as an important moment to recognize women’s achievements, advocate for gender equality, and address the systemic barriers women face worldwide. I intend to provide public relations (PR) professionals with a comprehensive guide to effectively engage in the celebrations and conversations surrounding IWD, enhancing brand presence and demonstrating social responsibility while supporting gender equity.   As a PR professional, March 8 offers not just a celebration of women but also a unique opportunity to amplify messages of empowerment and societal change.…

IGNITEHER BOOTCAMP: EMPOWERING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, equipping women with the right skills and resources is crucial for economic growth and sustainable development. Recognizing this, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organized the IgniteHer Bootcamp—a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower female entrepreneurs with business, financial, and digital transformation skills.   From March 3 to March 7, 2025, 90 women entrepreneurs from diverse industries participated in an intensive training program aimed at bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship. Held in Abuja, the…

Exploring the Dual Nature of Reputation: Balancing Favourable and Unfavourable Perceptions Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon

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Reputation is a all round element that can significantly impact both individuals and organizations. On one hand, a positive reputation serves as a valuable asset, fostering trust, credibility, and opportunity.   In an increasingly interrelated and digital world, the perceptions of individuals, organizations, and brands are shaped by a complex interplay of favourable and unfavourable reputations. I will be discussing the duality of reputation, examining how both favourable and unfavourable perceptions coexist, influence each other, and ultimately shape behaviour and decision-making.   Through an interdisciplinary approach, I analyzed the psychological,…

Top 10 Engineering Courses Students Should Consider for a Successful Career By Amaechi Okoro

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Selecting the right engineering course can be a complex decision, given the wide range of fields available. Whether you’re drawn to electrical systems, software development, or mechanical design, engineering offers a variety of specialized paths that can lead to rewarding careers. Many engineering programs emphasize practical learning, equipping students with vital skills in areas such as automation, data analysis, and machine learning. Here, we highlight the top 10 engineering courses that can help students pave the way for a successful career. Why Are Engineering Courses Considered Difficult? Engineering is often…

COMMENTARY ON WORLD RADIO DAY 2025 By Gbemiga Bamidele

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UNESCO World Radio Day is a global celebration of radio and its profound impact on society. As a medium, radio informs, educates, and unites people across cultures and geographies. It fosters dialogue, promotes inclusivity, and amplifies marginalized voices.   Recognizing the critical role of radio, UNESCO designated February 13 as World Radio Day to promote international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to enhance access to information through this medium.   Theme for World Radio Day 2025: “Radio and Climate Change”   The 2025 edition of World Radio Day…

FAYEMI @60: A Tribute

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I always believe that meeting someone and striking a friendship or a relationship with him/her is divine, but what they do with the friendship or relationship in terms of its quality or otherwise is entirely up to them. That has nothing to do with the Divine.   This is the prism with which I would rather see my friendship with Dr. John Kayode Fayemi. Prof. Bolaji Aluko was the string God wanted to use to tie the two of us together in the faraway United States. But I didn’t want…

Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON: A Compassionate and Exemplary Leader

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True leadership is often defined not just by policies and pronouncements but by the quiet acts of kindness and unwavering support that happen behind the scenes. Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, embodies this principle.   Speaker Abbas is a leader who deeply values relationships, extending his warmth and care beyond the official corridors of power. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional regard for his predecessors in the Office of the Speaker and other presiding officers, ensuring they remain engaged in the activities of the House. His leadership is not just…