Mass Comm Department, UNIZIK Kicks Off Her Lecture Series

                              L to R , Prof  Okunna, SSG Obaze, Dr Uzochukwu

                                      Left Prof Pate, Okunna , SSG Obaze

                                            Cross section of students

 

Immediate past HOD , Dr Dunu

Communication has been described as an indispensable tool in diplomacy and conflict resolution. This formed the premise on the maiden lecture of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) Mass Communication Lecture Series held recently at the Stella Okunna Mass Communication Auditorium.

www.odogwublog.com reports that the guest lecturer at the event was the Secretary to the Anambra State Government (SSG), Hon. Oseloka Obaze who dwelt extensively on the topic he titled, “Grasping the Essence of International Communication and Diplomacy”.

Stressing the essence of diplomacy, the SSG noted that it is to foster good rapport among countries, protecting the mutual national interests and averting conflicts.

 He further asserted that the success of diplomacy depends on the forthrightness and clarity with which it is carried out. According to Hon. Obaze, who has toured 63 countries, communication could make or mar relationships among countries.

“In how you communicate, what you say, write, dress, your eye contacts, the sitting posture, body language, attitude and the personality involved, counts a lot”, He said. Since communication and Diplomacy go hand in hand according to Obaze, it is paramount that countries select their diplomats meticulously.

Hon. Obaze proposed the KISS model as the best form of communication which he analyzed as “Keeping it Straight Simple”. He was of the opinion that when communication messages are kept straight and simple, it reduces chances of ambiguity on the part of the receiver of the intended message. He frowned at the attitude of students regarding the abbreviation of texts in communicating using the social media as it makes one lose syntax, commit grammatical blunders and could alter the message being conveyed.

Earlier in her address, the Head of the Department of Mass Communication and coordinator UNIZIK Mass Communication lecture series, Prof. Stella Okunna, described the lecture series as meeting of the towns and gowns where the undergraduates and the Post graduate students meet with people that have distinguished themselves in the communication practice.

Prof. Okunna stated that it is a great privileged to be admitted in the most subscribed university by JAMB candidates in Nigeria, urging the students to maximize their stay in the school.

The former commissioner described Hon. Obaze as the greatest person in Anambra state government today, thanking him for honouring the event.

 In her own remark, deputy director UNIZIK 94.1fm and co-coordinator of the lecture series, Dr. Ifeoma Dunu described the lecture as enriching and a mind opener to effective communication by an expert. According to Dr. Dunu, the lecture series is geared towards leaving the student better exposed and more enlightened.

In an interview, the President of the Association of Mass Communication Students (ASOMACS), Comrade Ifeme Macdonald, who spoke on behalf of the students, described the lecture as apt and incisive adding that the guest lecturer analyzed the intricacies of international communication and Diplomacy. He appreciated the head of the department and coordinators of the lecture series and prayed for its continuation and sustenance.

Present at the event include Prof. Umaru Pate, a professor of Mass Communication from Bayero University, Dr. Chinwe Uzochukwu, the ASOMACS Staff adviser; staff and students of the department.

From Emeka Onwudinjo and Franklin Onwubiko