By Oyetunde Oni
One of the foremost Professors of Journalism and Mass Communication, Professor Bayo Oloyede, who was a former Dean at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, and Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs Directorate, have bagged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Award of Excellence for their outstanding contributions to the practice of public relations by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Osun State Chapter. The recognition award presentation was held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Conference Hall of Leisure Spring Hotel and Suite, Osogbo, Osun State.
Professor Bayo Oloyede was honoured as a recipient of the prestigious Pillar of Public Relations award. In contrast, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye was awarded the Best in Public Relations Education (for Practicing Public Relations Professionals who train others in the industry) and for his exemplary contributions to the field of public relations.
The Chairman of Osun State NIPR, Comrade Ademola Adesoji, noted that Professor Oloyede was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of public relations, his dedication to sharing knowledge, and his wealth of experience towards advancing the profession in Nigeria. He lauded Prof. Oloyede for his immense role in mentoring and shaping practitioners and public relations scholars.
According to Adesoji, the award was a testament to Prof. Oloyede’s exemplary leadership style, scholarly excellence, and unwavering commitment to excellence in public relations education and practice in Nigeria. He emphasized that the Osun NIPR Awards aims to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the profession and that the awardees were carefully chosen after due diligence.
While presenting Adeleye for the award, Comrade Adesoji explained that the awardee has been inspirational to many of their colleagues who are enrolling in a program in Communication, which has resulted in further professional and scholarly development in public relations in the state.
Also awarded were the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, who is also the Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Abeokuta; Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi; the Punch Newspaper correspondent in Osun State, Mr. Boladale Bamgbola; Adeleke University, Dr. Rasheed Adebiyi, lecturer; Fountain University, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, Public Relations Officer; Obafemi Awolowo University, among others.
The Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, made a surprise appearance to celebrate the duo of Professor Oloyede and Mr. Adeleye, which added more colour to the event.
The other dignitaries at the event are the Vice-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Prof. Adebola Amos Ajayi; representative of the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Dr. Olorede; and many others. The NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, was ably represented by one of his Council members, Prince Dr. Adewale Oyekanmi, who is the Director of Collaboration at the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke.