By Balikis Ajoyo
The Department of Mass Communication, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, recorded a significant milestone on Wednesday July 1st, as the Legislative Council of the National Association of Mass Communication Students (NAMCOS) empowered students with start-up equipment to support and enhance their vocational skills.
The empowerment programme, convened by the Speaker of the NAMCOS Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Razaq Afeez Olashile, popularly known as Emperor, was held at the Polytechnic Conference Hall. The event attracted students, lecturers, student leaders, immediate past NAMCOS executives and other stakeholders.
In his welcome address, Rt. Hon. Razaq Afeez Olashile said the initiative was borne out of his passion to empower students and encourage them to acquire vocational skills alongside their academic pursuits. He described the programme as a landmark achievement in the history of the department and a testament to the Legislative Council’s commitment to students’ welfare and development.
According to him, the initiative was designed to identify, support and nurture promising student entrepreneurs by providing them with start-up equipment that would strengthen their businesses, promote self-reliance and inspire others to embrace entrepreneurship.
He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the equipment, grow their ventures and extend similar opportunities to others in the future.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Agboola Martins, commended the initiative, describing it as a commendable effort that complements academic learning with practical skills and prepares students for self-employment.
In separate goodwill messages, the Head of the Mass Communication Department, Alhaji Fatiu Olohungbebe; the Head of the Strategic Communication Department, Mr. Opaleke Enoch; and the Head of the Journalism and Media Studies Department, Mr. Yisa Idris, applauded the Legislative Council for the initiative.
They described the programme as a timely intervention that would encourage students to develop vocational skills alongside their studies, thereby enhancing their employability, entrepreneurial capacity and economic independence after graduation.
The lecturers also urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by making productive use of the equipment, noting that skill acquisition remains one of the most effective pathways to sustainable economic empowerment.
Also speaking, the Chief Jury, Ms. Aminat Sulyman Folawiyo, popularly known as Mama Cupid, disclosed that all applicants underwent a rigorous screening process and successfully defended their business pitches before a three-member assessment panel.
She commended Rt. Hon. Razaq Afeez Olashile for conceiving the initiative, noting that the Legislative Council under his leadership has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable development among members of the association.
The Guest Speaker, CG Usman Taiwo-Hassan who was represented by Comrade Hassan Abdulrasheed Imoniyi called on students association to emulate the gesture of the NLC.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the remodelled NLC symbol of authority; Mace, Gavel and Hammer, presentation of certificates and start-up equipment to the successful beneficiaries who emerged after the competitive selection process.
The remodelled Mace was unveiled by the IICT Examinations Officer, Mr. Ibrahim Fatai, who commended the Legislative Council for preserving and strengthening the NAMCOS parliamentary tradition through the refurbishment of its symbols of authority. He described the initiative as a reflection of the Council’s commitment Legislative excellence and urged successive legislative administrations to sustain the legacy.
The equipment distributed included sewing machines, baking ovens, industrial mixers, a professional tripod and microphone set, a laptop computer, and a fully equipped barbering kit.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Abdulkareem Isah, an ND II Mass Communication student and content creator; Adegbola Tolani Abibat, an HND II student of Journalism and Media Studies specialising in cake production; Owolabi Esther Omotoyosi, an HND I Journalism and Media Studies student and cake baker; and Aworinde Victoria Ifeoluwa, an HND I Journalism and Media Studies student specialising in fashion design, expressed profound appreciation to the NAMCOS Legislative Council for the empowerment initiative.
They described the support as timely and impactful, pledging to make effective use of the equipment to expand their businesses, become self-reliant and justify the confidence reposed in them.