Nigeria’s foremost current affairs discourse platform, Boiling Point Arena, returns on Sunday, July 12, 2026, with what promises to be a provocative conversation on one of the communication profession’s most debated questions: Are journalists naturally equipped to succeed as public relations and reputation managers?
The 45th edition of the monthly discourse, scheduled for 8:00 p.m., will examine the theme: “Journalism Is Not Public Relations: Why Many Journalists Are Misfits for Reputation Managers’ Roles.”
Hosted by media professional and public relations strategist Ayo Arowojolu, the programme will be held via Zoom and broadcast live on seven partner radio stations across Lagos, Ogun and Delta States, as well as on cable television and digital streaming platforms.
Providing expert perspectives are three of Nigeria’s most distinguished authorities in journalism, public relations and corporate reputation management.
Leading the panel is Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr, President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), widely recognised for repositioning the Institute through far-reaching reforms, strengthened professional regulation, digital transformation and expanded international engagement.
Joining him is veteran journalist and media intellectual Martins Oloja, fnge, former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian newspaper and one of Nigeria’s most respected newspaper editors and public affairs commentators. An award-winning journalist, former Editor of The Guardian, pioneer Senior Editor of The Source magazine and Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Oloja has delivered more than 200 keynote lectures in Nigeria and abroad on journalism, governance, leadership, public policy and reputation management. He currently serves on the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee while remaining an influential newspaper columnist.
Completing the panel is renowned brand and strategic communication expert Dr. Eddy Ademosu, whose career spanning more than three decades has seen him lead corporate communication and reputation management at leading financial institutions, including Wema Bank, Union Bank and Intercontinental Bank, now Access Bank.
A former President and current member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB), Ademosu is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading voices on corporate reputation, stakeholder engagement and strategic communication.
The discourse will be chaired by the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, and is expected to stimulate fresh thinking on the increasing migration of journalists into public relations, corporate communications and reputation management across both the public and private sectors.
The panel will explore why excellence in journalism does not necessarily translate into success in reputation management, the distinct competencies required in strategic communication, the ethical and philosophical differences between journalism and public relations, and the implications of the restructuring of Mass Communication education in Nigerian tertiary institutions into specialised disciplines such as journalism, public relations, advertising and strategic communication.
Organisers say the discussion comes at a critical time as organisations place unprecedented emphasis on reputation management amid digital disruption, stakeholder activism, misinformation and heightened public scrutiny.
As with previous editions, the event is expected to attract journalists, public relations practitioners, academics, communication scholars, corporate executives, policymakers and students interested in the future of communication practice in Nigeria.
Renowned for stimulating informed national conversations on issues of public importance, Boiling Point Arena will be broadcast live across multiple radio stations, cable television and digital streaming platforms, with audiences participating through interactive phone calls and social media engagement.
Partner stations include WASH 94.9FM, Lagos; Sweet 107.1FM, Abeokuta; Roots 97.1FM, Abeokuta; Erimbe 94.7FM, Sagamu; Women Radio 91.7FM, Mowe; Opera Tune 106.3FM, Abeokuta; and Kruzz 92.9FM, Asaba, Delta State. The programme will also air on NSTV on GOtv.
