Metro
NIJ Student Emerges First Future Brand Idol
By: Ajibade Morakinyo
The maiden Idol of Future Brand Idol (FBI), a creativity contest for students studying communication, advertising, and other related courses in Integrated Marketing Communication, has emerged from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
With Amisu Damilola, a student of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, emerging winner of the contest and first Future Brand Idol; Popoola Tobi, student of University of Ibadan, came first runner-up; students of University of Ilorin, Macaulay Tolulope & Alilu Favour, came second and third runner-up respectively; and another NIJ student, Owodunni Mosopefoluwa emerged fourth runner-up among over 80 students across 11 tertiary institutions that participated in the contest.
NIJ Advertising and Public Relations lecturer, Mr. Amaso Jack; the winner, Amisu Damilola; Founder Noah’s Ark, Mr. Lanre Adisa, & NIJ Marketing Lecturer, Mr. Akin Ojo
The award’s pitch and ceremony which recently held in Lagos is an initiative that affords students of mass communication and other marketing communication related courses across Nigeria opportunity and experience of practical advertising.
According to the Head of FBI organizers, Ahmed Abdullahi, the initiative is set to bring professionals in the advertising industry closer to students towards providing a viable platform for Nigerian students who are interested in Advertising and Public Relations to be exposed and well-bred while on campus.
“The initiative does not only have focus in creativity contest, it also aimed at facilitating students’ interactive session with experts, workshop and seminar for students, providing mentorship opportunity for students, and getting them quality information in their field of study.
“By doing so, we will attract scholarships, internship, mentorship opportunity, and open them to greater opportunities which will help nurture them and make them useful for the society and the industry they found themselves,” he said.
The Future Brand Idol team head, Ahmed Abdullahi, winner 2019 Future Brand Idol, Amisu Damilola, and Noah’s Ark Founder, Mr. Lanre Adisa, presenting the contest award to the winner
Speaking about how the winners were chosen, he made it known that the organizers are not in support of favoritism which made them have an experienced jury members like Noah’s Ark CEO, Mr. Lanre Adisa; O2 Academy Provost, Mr. Ozoemena ‘Ozone’ Mbanefo; ID8 Academy MD, Kehinde Salami; Seyi Owolawi; Bisi Aweda; Jumoke Akinyele; and Suziette Ukey-Agazie, which are independent of any institution that participated in the competition.
He thereby urged the winners to maximize the opportunities made available to them and that this will help the organisers to record success stories.
Also, the Founder of Noah’s Ark and a Grand Jury member of the competition, Mr. Lanre Adisa, who described the initiative as ‘a good one’ encouraged the winners to ‘try harder’ because this is just the beginning of their career in advertising.
“This is not a guarantee that the winners would get a job in advertising because it is what they do with themselves that will definitely make them relevant in the industry,” he said.
Group session of NIJ students and lecturers with the winner, Amisu Damilola
The overall winner, Amisu Damilola, disclosed that the competition has definitely encouraged her to pursue more in advertising – an industry she had loved since her year two in NIJ.
“The competition boosted my zeal for advertising to another level and with the scholarships it has afforded me, I will ensure I harness the opportunities towards building my potential in advertising,” she said.
The overall winner and the first runner-up were awarded scholarship from O2 and ID8 Academy; the second and third runner-up also got scholarship from ID8 Academy; and the fourth runner-up secured an internship slot at Withoutabox PR.
At a time when concerns over youth involvement in crimes, cultism and other vices, continue to reverberate across communities in Lagos, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, has issued a firm and unequivocal charge to young people and community advocates to uphold integrity and reject all forms of social vices.
Speaking at a strategic implementation meeting with members of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crimes, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV), led by its State Coordinator, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, Ogunsan stressed that the success of any security intervention rests heavily on the moral standing and personal discipline of those entrusted with its execution.
During the meeting, the LSSTF CEO also announced that the Agency’s
prevention initiative against Crimes, Cultism and Other Vices, LSSTF-CACCOV will be addressing thousands of students at its Flagship Youth Security Awareness and Orientation Campaign at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in May, 2026. This will be immediately followed by another youth campaign focused on Cybersecurity and Digital Security.
In a strongly worded address, he cautioned members of the Committee against any conduct capable of tarnishing the credibility of the initiative: “You, yourselves, must rise above board. No one must accuse you of defrauding them; the moment we hear it, you are off. I don’t want anyone to bring disrepute to this organization. We will publicly disclaim you if you do so. You have to work on yourself. This goes beyond you personally to those you relate with. You have a friend and the friend is a cultist; no, you are not supposed to be there.”
The LSSTF-CACCOV initiative represents a preventive, community-driven approach to tackling insecurity by engaging youths constructively and steering them away from crime, cultism, and other destructive behaviors. In Lagos, the city regarded as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and West Africa’s economic hub, stakeholders have consistently underscored the direct link between security and economic productivity. Youths, who constitute a significant portion of the population, remain central to this equation.
Dr. Ogunsan further urged young people across Lagos to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their communities, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activities and fostering a culture of accountability. According to him, sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness.
Responding on behalf of the Committee spearheading the crime prevention initiative of LSSTF, Dr. Oladimeji reaffirmed the group’s commitment to grassroots engagement and behavioral reorientation among youths: “We understand that the issues of crime and cultism are concerns that worry every community. So, the initiative is a preventive approach to positively engage youths to resist vices, cultism, and crime, so that we can all live in a peaceful environment. Because if businesses will thrive and careers will grow, security will be of major importance.”
Security experts have long noted that investment in youth development, including through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and gainful engagement, remains one of the most effective tools for crime prevention. By positioning young people as both stakeholders and ambassadors of peace, LSSTF-CACCOV aims to reshape community narratives and reinforce the values of responsibility, productivity, and lawful conduct.
Present at the strategic implementation meeting are the Executive Secretary/CEO, LSSTF Dr Ayodele Ogunsan; Director of Administration, LSSTF, Mr. Adegbola Lewis; Executive Assistant, LSSTF, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo; State Coordinator, Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV), Dr. Moses Oladimeji; Assistant State Coordinator/General Secretary, LSSTF-CACCOV, Uzezi Akinwoleola; Head, Human Resources and Training, LSSTF-CACCOV, Prominence Promise; Head, Education, Advocacy and Empowerment, LSSTF-CACCOV, Joseph Akinwoleola; Head, Media, Press and Public Relations, LSSTF-CACCOV, Taiwo Idris; and Head, Strategy, Digital Communication, and Technology, Olugbogi Nathanael
A man whose identity had not been established at the time of filing this report was rescued after reportedly attempting to jump into the Lagos Lagoon from a bridge.
Eyewitnesses said the individual parked his vehicle on the bridge before entering the water, prompting alarm among passersby.
The situation was, however, swiftly brought under control as local fishermen in the area intervened and pulled him out of the lagoon, preventing what could have resulted in a fatal outcome.
A video capturing the rescue surfaced on social media on Wednesday, shared by Isaac Fayose, who expressed concern over the incident and called on Nigerians to pay closer attention to the well-being of those around them.
“Please, check on your family and friends. This just happened today. Who knows what went wrong,” he wrote.
As of the time of this report, the circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear, while authorities have yet to provide an official account.
The Lagos State Police Command had also not issued any confirmation of the incident.
As the festive spirit of Eid al-Adha (Sallah) approaches, Adron Homes & Properties, Nigeria’s leading real estate company, has announced a nationwide Sallah Mega Promo designed to reward subscribers with unbeatable discounts, flexible payment plans, and exciting gift items.
The limited-time promotional campaign aims to empower Nigerians to celebrate the season of sacrifice with both joy and long-term investment security by making property ownership more accessible and rewarding. Subscribers can enjoy a 30% discount on all plots across Adron estates nationwide, alongside a flexible payment plan of up to 36 months. In addition, clients can spread their initial deposit over four months, easing financial pressure while securing valuable real estate assets.
According to the company, the Sallah promo reflects its continued commitment to providing affordable housing solutions while rewarding both new and existing clients during key festive periods.
“Sallah is a time of giving, sacrifice, and celebration. At Adron Homes, we believe there is no better time to empower families and investors with the opportunity to own land while also receiving valuable gifts that enhance their celebration,” the company stated.
As part of the promo, subscribers will enjoy a wide range of gift rewards tied to their payment milestones. Platinum plot subscribers stand to receive items such as bags of rice ranging from 10kg to 50kg, food packs with chicken and seasoning, goats and rams for Sallah celebrations, and even a cow or a double-door refrigerator for high-value subscribers. Compact plot subscribers will also benefit from gift items including bags of rice, vegetable oil, cartons of noodles, goats, and other household essentials designed to support festive celebrations.
Over the years, Adron Homes & Properties has remained at the forefront of real estate development in Nigeria, consistently delivering affordable luxury and flexible payment structures tailored to a wide range of investors. The Sallah Mega Promo further reinforces the company’s mission to democratize property ownership while strengthening its relationship with clients through value-driven initiatives.
Prospective subscribers are encouraged to take advantage of this limited-time offer by contacting Adron Homes through its official channels via +234 805 101 1951 on WhatsApp, or the Adron Homes Official Website.
With the Sallah season fast approaching, this promo presents a unique opportunity for Nigerians to celebrate meaningfully by securing their future through real estate investment while enjoying generous festive rewards.
