Crescent University simulates Iwe Irohin

Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has produced a look-alike of the first newspaper in Nigeria, Iwe Irohin Fun Awon Ara Egba Ati Yoruba, to celebrate 160 years of journalism in Nigeria and to report the conference of the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Dr. Kola Adesina, is the brains behind the archival simulation of the iconic newspaper, which was formally presented by the former Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and proprietor of the university, Prince Bola Ajibola, to the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, in his palace.

In his speech, Oba Gbadebo historically traced the presentation of the first Iwe Irohin Fun Awon Ara Egba Ati Yoruba to the period when his forefather was four years on the throne, noting with delight that history was being repeated in his palace in his 14th year as king.

The sponsor of the project, Prince Ajibola described the simulation as “a novel idea of bringing back to life what Henry Townsend did in Abeokuta in 1859,” adding that “by this publication, we can imagine how Henry Townsend would have reported the 2019 conference of the collaboration of academics and professional communicators in Nigeria 160 years ago.”

The initiator of the project, Dr Adesina said the idea was a demonstration of the capacity of the Department of Mass Communication of Crescent University, Abeokuta, to expose students to necessary research and practical training in media and communication globally.

According to him, practical projects of his department were to make students think out of the box, thereby making unique contributions to mass communication.

The president of the ACSPN, Professor Lai Oso, congratulated Oba Aremu Gbadebo on the repeat of journalistic history which started around the Ake palace 160 years ago, while also expressing his appreciation to the Egba people for their hospitality towards non-natives of Abeokuta city.

The simulation and presentation were part of activities marking the grand finale of the 6th Annual Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria and celebration of 160 years of journalism in Nigeria hosted by Crescent University, Abeokuta.

The conference with the theme ‘National Interest, Freedom of Expression and Governances in Africa’ welcomed paper presentations such as New Media and National Interest, Development Communication Policy Theory, Gender Issues and National Interest, Master Class, Advertising/Public Relations and National Interest, Journalism and National Interest as well as Media, Communication and National interest.

Many notable personalities in the communication industry attended the conference, including Chief Tola Adeniyi (former managing director, Daily Times); Chief Taiwo Allimi (former managing director, Voice of Nigeria), Mrs Ijedi Iyoha, acting registrar, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria; Mr Lanre Idowu, CEO, Diamond Awards for Media Excellence; Dr Niran Malaolu, CEO, Rock City FM; Mrs Funmi Wakama, General Manager, Nigerian Television Authority, Abeokuta and Mrs Stella Jibrin, Director, Nigerian Press Council.