Prof Okocha emerges chair of ICA Nigeria at inaugural conference

The Nigerian chapter of the International Communication Association (ICA) has elected Professor Desmond Okocha, a scholar in Journalism and Emerging Media, as its new chairperson. Prof Okocha’s emergence signaled a new phase in the leadership of the association. The announcement was made at the maiden national conference of the association at Nile University, Abuja. The […]

The Nigerian chapter of the International Communication Association (ICA) has elected Professor Desmond Okocha, a scholar in Journalism and Emerging Media, as its new chairperson.

Prof Okocha’s emergence signaled a new phase in the leadership of the association.

The announcement was made at the maiden national conference of the association at Nile University, Abuja.

The conference brought together communication scholars and professionals from across the country.

Professor Okocha takes over from the pioneer chairperson, Dr. Ekaete George, in a transition stakeholders have described as a step towards sustaining the growth and stability the association has experienced since its establishment in 2023.

Before his election, Okocha served as Vice-Chair of the chapter, positioning him as a familiar figure within the association’s leadership structure.

The two-day conference, themed “Global Communication Shifts and Implications for Africa,” featured robust discussions on pressing issues such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and crisis communication, reflecting evolving trends in the global communication space.

The event also drew the participation of key stakeholders in the media and communication sector, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, who was represented by the Director-General of the News Agency of Nigeria, Malam Ali Muhammed Ali.

Also in attendance was the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, alongside other notable industry players.

In his acceptance speech, Professor Okocha, who currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, unveiled members of his executive team.

They include Dr. Comfort Bulus, Dr. E.Y.E. Bassey, Dr. Godswill John, Mr. Odoh Diego Okenyodo, and Mr. Adebusuyi Adedotun.

He further outlined plans to broaden the association’s membership base through stronger engagement with universities and industry practitioners, with a view to deepening ICA’s footprint across Nigeria’s communication landscape. His tenure is for one year, subject to renewal.

In her valedictory remarks, the outgoing chairperson, Dr. George, highlighted major achievements recorded during her tenure, including significant membership growth, the organisation of 13 quarterly seminar series, and strengthened collaborations at both national and international levels. She urged members to sustain the momentum.

Founded in 1950 as the National Society for the Study of Communication, the International Communication Association adopted its current name in 1969 and has since grown into a global network of scholars across more than 80 countries.

The body plays a key role in advancing communication research through conferences, publications, and specialised divisions.

In recent years, ICA has intensified efforts to expand its reach beyond North America and Europe, with increasing focus on Africa.

The establishment of national chapters, including ICA Nigeria, is part of this broader strategy to promote diverse perspectives in global communication discourse.

Observers noted that the leadership transition is timely, as it consolidates the foundation laid by the pioneer leadership while opening new opportunities for research collaboration and policy engagement, particularly as ICA expands its activities across Africa.

For an association less than three years old, the Abuja conference marked not only an intellectual gathering but also a significant institutional milestone, positioning ICA Nigeria as an emerging platform for advancing African perspectives in global communication scholarship.