The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, has appointed and accomplished journalist and seasoned public relations executive, Mr. Kola Adepoju, FICA, as the Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations of the university.
Adepoju’s appointment was contained in a letter signed by the University Registrar, Dr.Bola Adekola.
Until his appointment, Adepoju, an Assistant Director of Public Relations, Media and External Relations of FUNAAB was the Coordinator of FUNAAB Radio 89.5 FM and a co-host of the popular interactive live programme of the station, ‘Boiling Point’.
Checks revealed that this is not his first stint as head of Public Relations, as he earlier served in the capacity during his sabbatical leave appointment at Caleb University, Imota-Ikorodu, Lagos.
The news of Adepoju’s appointment, who was honoured in 2019 by the Ogun State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, as Ambassador of Journalists, threw the body of newsmen and public relations into celebration mood.
Before joining FUNAAB as Principal Public Relations Officer, Media and External Relations, in 2008, Adepoju, a product of Loyola College, Ibadan, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, Lagos, Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye and London Academy for Higher Education, LAHE, had carved a niche in for himself in journalism and public relations.
He started his professional career in journalism in 1996 as Grassroot Correspondent, Oke Ogun Community News, Ibadan under the renowned journalist, Mr.Okiki Abiola.
Thereafter, he became a political reporter with Third Eye Newspapers, Ibadan covering the Molete residence of the then strongman of Ibadan politics, the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, under the political editorship of Messrs Paul Ogundipe, Idowu Samuel, Adewale Rasheed and Adeola Oloko, the current spokesman of the Olubadan of Ibadan.
After Third Eye was rested, Adepoju successively served as Ogun State Bureau Chief of Lagos-based The Diet newspapers, under the renowned and revered editorship of Mr. Niran Malaolu, the CEO of Rock City FM; Hallmark Magazine under the editorship of Mr. Emeka Obasi and Champion Newspapers under the editorship of Mr. Emma Agu.
He offered credible leadership in his service to journalism and public relations as former Chairman of Correspondents’ Chapel of NUJ, during which he moved the Chapel to its first secretariat, which was commisioned by the then Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State.
Earlier, he served as Treasurer and Secretary of the same body as well as Treasurer of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN.
Adepoju also made his impact felt in the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Ogun State chapter, where he served in the executive as the chapter’s Public Relations Executive, PRO of PROs, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Femi Dokunmu.
Adepoju was second runner-up, Ogun State Government Merit Award, Media Category, in 2004 and also earned more recognition in 2006 with government sponsorship on holy pilgrimage to Isreal.
Adepoju, a Fellow of Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, FICA, is presently the Public Relations Officer of African Projects Against Suicide, APAS, Ogun State chapter.
The Iganna, Oke Ogun, Oyo North-born professional also served as Personal Assistant to Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello on Media and Media Consultant to former Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Alhaji Isikilu Makinde.
Adepoju has won several awards which include: Most Outstanding Media Correspondent, 2005; and Ogun State Public Relations Executive of the Year, 2010 and 2016.
He’s a devout christian and a passionate family man.
