From David Onuoja, Abuja
Master Dayo Oketola, has been appointed as the new Chief Press Secretary (CPS), to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.
In a statement this morning, by the Personal Assistant, to the CPS, Dominic James, said the appointment takes immediate effect.
Oketola, a seasoned journalist and former Editor of The Punch newspapers, brings extensive experience in strategic leadership and integrated reporting to his new role.
With a strong background in covering various beats, including business, energy, and politics, Oketola has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding work. He is well-equipped to lead the communication team at INEC.
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As a Senior Correspondent with The PUNCH, Oketola covered several beats, ranging from business and economy to aviation, labour, Information and Communications Technology, energy, politics and general news. His outstanding performance on the job earned him several local and international awards, fellowships and recognition.
Some are the Telecoms Reporter of the Year award at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards in 2012 and the Mobile Money Reporter of the Year at the Kalahari Mobile Money Awards in 2013. He was a Finalist in 2012 and 2013 at the Diageo Africa Business Reporting Awards in London. Oketola was nominated for the Brand Reporter of the Year Award at the 2013 Nigeria Media Merit Awards.
In 2014, he clinched the Conoil Prize for Energy Correspondent of the Year at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards and received commendations in two other categories. Oketola was runner-up in the Peter Odili Prize for Power Reporter of the Year and the Intercontinental Bank Prize for Capital Market Reporter of the Year.
He was also declared the winner of the Mobil Producing Award for Energy Reporting at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence in 2014.
Oketola bagged the CSR Reporter of the Year Award at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards and the Energy Reporter of the Year at the continental Zimeo Award for Excellence in Media in 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He equally won the Energy & Infrastructure category at the Zimeo Excellence in Media Awards 2016, organised by the African Media Initiative in Nairobi, Kenya. Oketola was among the 16 winners out of about 1,000 entries from all over Africa. He was the first runner-up in the infrastructure reporting category at the 2016 CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Award held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
A graduate of English (Literature) from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 2004, and a Master’s degree holder in English (Literature) from the University of Ibadan in 2006, Oketola also holds a certificate in investigative reporting from the New England Centre for Investigative Reporting, Massachusetts, US in 2012, and an LL.B from the National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos in 2017.
He also obtained a Diploma in Public Relations at the Business Education Examinations Council in August 2021.
Besides being an editor, Oketola is a public affairs analyst, notable energy sector communicator, public relations adviser and life coach. He has continued to leverage his multimedia skills to inspire and mobilise human and social capital for national transformation.
He is a member of notable professional organisations such as the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
Oketola is also a member of Ikeja Centennial Lions Club, International Association of Lions Clubs, and District 404-B2 Nigeria, which constantly carries out humanitarian activities geared towards impacting their immediate communities.
