In a proud moment of academic excellence and personal achievement, Omodolapo Idowu was announced as the recipient of the Best Student in Editorial Writing (2024) at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) which took place on the 6th of May, 2025. .
The prestigious award was presented during the official ceremony held at the Sir Kesington Adebutu Media Resource Centre, and was conferred by the Provost of the institution, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, in recognition of Idowu’s exceptional skill, dedication, and remarkable contributions to editorial writing.
The convocation event, which drew students, staff, dignitaries, and well-wishers from various sectors of the media and communications industry, was a celebration of both academic milestones and the promising future of Nigeria’s next generation of communicators.
Among the highlights of the occasion was Idowu’s heartfelt acceptance speech, which resonated with gratitude, humility, and an unwavering sense of purpose.
I’m grateful for the recognition of my efforts, and I’ll be forever grateful to God Almighty for granting me the grace to witness this day, she began, visibly moved by the honor. “I would like to thank my lecturers for their impactful knowledge and guidance through these years. My appreciation will not be complete without mentioning my father, Mr. Idowu, and my darling sister, Atinuke, as well as the rest of my family—thank you for everything. And to my friends, my support group through it all, I appreciate you all. Thank you. I look forward to celebrating greater heights with you.
In an exclusive conversation following the ceremony, Idowu expressed enthusiasm about her future and her aspirations in the field of writing.
With the clarity and conviction of someone deeply passionate about her craft, she revealed her desire to work in professional environments where she can refine her skills and learn from experienced professionals.
I am open to work opportunities as a writer, she said. I would like to learn more from experts and collaborate with budding writers like me.
Beyond her academic accolades, Omodolapo Idowu’s profile is defined by her commitment to storytelling, advocacy, and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue.
She shared insights into her creative journey and the digital platforms where her work is published. I write as often as I can, but it is based on the inspiration I get, she said. “Some of my works are available on writing apps like Medium and Substack. You can easily find my page when you search with my pen name, Rare Wordings.
Her passion extends beyond literature and into activism—particularly in the area of women’s rights and gender-based advocacy.
I’m an advocate for women and a voice against sexual harassment for both genders, she noted. In 2022, I founded a women-only community known as Womanly, and I’ve been a volunteer with the Voices Against Rape and Sexual Harassment Foundation since 2023. I really hope to make meaningful changes in my environment, depending on my capabilities.
While she identifies strongly as a women’s advocate, Idowu emphasized that her pursuit of gender equity is inclusive and rooted in fairness.
Yes, I am an advocate for women, but that does not make boys or men irrelevant to me, she stated. I believe that the most important part of it all is for both genders—irrespective of socio-economic factors—to be well represented, valued, respected, and considered. I believe that benefits or opportunities concerning education, job specifics, or even administrative positions should be judged purely on abilities and not gender differences.
As a concluding reflection, Idowu offered words of encouragement to fellow undergraduates and aspiring writers, urging them to remain focused, determined, and true to their passions.
The road to success is bumpy, and I can say I’m not even there yet—I still have a long way to go, she admitted. But that won’t stop me from trying again every day until I get it right. So, please go after what you enjoy doing. I can’t promise that it will be hitch-free, but it is better to chase a dream than to remain idle.
