Celebrating Mrs Bimbo Oloyede’s 50 Years of Excellence: Eager hosts, reluctant guests by Mojeed Alabi

It is a privilege to join distinguished industry leaders in honouring Mrs Bimbo Oloyede as she marks an extraordinary 50-year career in broadcasting, strategic communication, language instruction, and public speaking.

Few occasions present such a distinguished gathering. Approximately 60 media professionals, scholars, newsroom executives, and mentees contributed to a single volume in her honour, resulting in one of the most comprehensive festschrifts within Nigeria’s media and communication landscape.

Eager host, reluctant guests

My contribution, titled “Eager Hosts, Reluctant Guests: Bridging Research Communication Gaps in Africa,” analyses the historical disconnect between academic researchers and journalists, examining how this gap affects socio-economic development.

Academic institutions are positioned to serve as policy think tanks, generating evidence-based findings to inform governance and development planning. However, critical research frequently remains compartmentalised within scholarly circles due to ineffective communication strategies and limited engagement with mainstream media.

Team Lead, DevReporting, Mojeed Alabi with the Honouree, Mrs Bimbo Oloyede

Researchers often express concern over potential misrepresentation by journalists or perceive investigative interview methods as overly adversarial. Conversely, journalists frequently note that academics are difficult to access and rely on technical terminology that impedes public understanding.

The premise for this essay arose during one of my many discussions with Mrs Oloyede following my return from Arusha, Tanzania, where African journalists and scholars convened to establish frameworks for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Recognising the significance of the subject, Mrs Oloyede encouraged me to formalise these insights into a paper for inclusion in the volume, leading to the development of the final essay.

This contribution simply signals the focus of DevReporting, a niche media and cinematic organisation that aims at bridging the hitherto existing communication gap between the media and researchers towards engendering real solutions-focused reporting for development in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

The publication features perspectives from eminent figures, including legendary filmmaker Pa Tunde Kelani; veteran broadcasters Soni Irabor and Cyril Stober; acclaimed performing artists Joke Silva and Yemi Shodimu; and executive leaders such as Biodun Shobanjo and Larry Izamoje.

Executive Director/CEO, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Motunrayo Alaka; veteran broadcaster, Cyril Stober; and Team Lead, DevReporting, Mojeed Alabi.

Contributions are also provided by leaders of media foundations and development organisations, including Lekan Otufodunrin, Dr Amina Salihu, Motunrayo Famuyiwa-Alaka, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, and Tosin Dokpesi; prominent public figures Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Funke Egbemode; respected editor, legal practitioner, and administrator Gbemiga Ogunleye; newsroom leaders Dayo Aiyetan, Olumide Iyanda, and Martins Oloja; as well as emerging media entrepreneurs including Seun Okinbaloye, Chris Ilems, and myself.

The volume’s editor, Dr Unwanna Samuel of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Lagos, merits particular recognition. Drawing upon nearly two decades of professional media practice before transitioning to academia, he meticulously edited the submissions to produce a refined and authoritative text.

More than a mentor

To many of us, Mrs. Oloyede serves not only as a professional mentor but as a trusted advisor and maternal figure. She consistently provides thoughtful guidance, measured counsel, and unwavering personal support.

In addition to her broader industry contributions, she serves as editorial advisor to DevReporting and Co-Chair of the Pro-Poor Development Media Network (PDM-Network). In these roles, she works to ensure equitable, balanced coverage of underserved communities within contemporary journalism.

The DevReporting team takes immense pride in her achievements, as highlighted in the essay contributed by the publication’s Managing Editor, Christiana Alabi-Akande.

Although Mrs. Alabi-Akande first met Mrs Oloyede in person about three years ago, she notes that participating in the WSCIJ Report Women FRLP fellowship and the C-Suite Executive Presence Training under her instruction was a transformative professional experience.

On Tuesday, 1 September, the festschrift was formally presented at an event celebrating Mrs. Oloyede’s career and lasting contributions to the profession.

The ceremony was chaired by Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, with the official unveiling performed by Dr Sonny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland. The event brought together prominent dignitaries, academic leaders, and media executives, including former Directors-General of the NTA and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola.

This volume serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and general readers seeking insight into African media, communication, and public discourse.

Beyond its role as a celebratory festschrift, the text offers an important historical perspective, critical contemporary analysis, and key considerations for the future of the field.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs Bimbo Oloyede on 50 years of distinguished service and continued professional impact.

We can only wish our amazon long life and continued success.