By Olamide Iwala
Two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), stood out among graduates of the 2025 Storytelling for Development Programme organised by the Centre for Storytelling and Development Initiative (CSDI).
The 12-week virtual programme, which began on June 21 and concluded with a graduation ceremony on Saturday, September 13, produced 38 graduates out of 62 initial participants. Over 10 of the successful graduands were AAUA students.
At the event, awards were presented in five categories, of which two were students of Adekunle Ajasin University.
Similoluwa Ayibiowu (AAUA), emerged as the Overall Active Trainee; Olamide Iwala (AAUA) was declared the winner of the Best Engaging Short Video.Oludayo Similoluwa won the Best Engaging Short Article, Ifeyinwa Francis topped the Most Active Forum Contributor, while William Olaleye, pitched the Best Story Idea.
Speaking with Echo Media, Ayibiowu said the training significantly improved her storytelling skills. “Each session was a hidden treasure. Going forward, I intend to use every nugget shared with us to write African stories better and highlight positive developments in Africa,” she said. She added that her award reminded her that diligence and consistency truly pay.
Another graduate, Charity Michael, a 300-level student of Mass Communications, described the programme as “impactful and insightful.” She said it enhanced her writing and pitching skills, particularly through sessions like “Reporting Vulnerable People”.
Precious Orunduyi, a 300-level Mass Communication student of AAUA says "My journey so far at CSDI has been a very good one, I literally learnt things that I wouldn't have learnt in the university."
She also mentioned that there was no fee attached to the training and top-notch teachers were brought in to train everyone.
"It was a very great privilege for us that cannot afford high paid conferences and seminars that has to do with storytelling." She added.
The graduation ceremony featured a keynote address by Mrs. Bosede Akinbolusere of the African Leadership University, USA, who spoke on the theme “Telling Your Own Story.” She urged participants to begin with their personal stories.
She lamented that Nigerians and Africans, as a whole, often do not tell their own stories, urging the CSDI's graduands to start changing the narrative.
She added that authenticity, consistency, and creativity are key to an excellent storytelling career. She advised the graduates to employ visuals, leverage technologies, and stay rooted in their niche to make an impact.
“Learn to always tell your own story, no matter how small it is. How will the world believe the stories you're telling, if you can't tell your own story? Create an online presence and let it reflect your niche,” Akinbolusere said.
The event also had in attendance members of CSDI’s Board of Trustees, including Mr. Lawal Dahiru, Mrs. Jemimah David-Makeri, Mrs. Precious Oluwole, and Mr. Anthony Okoboshi.
