MEXY'S PLACE

Yesterday, I found myself staring at a long list of urgent assignments on my desk. Each one demanded immediate attention, requiring quick responses and decisive action. In the world of mass communication, this is a familiar scenario—information needs to be delivered promptly, and the pressure to stay ahead can be immense. But, as I worked through those tasks, I was reminded of a crucial truth: speed must never come at the expense of credibility. The challenge of balancing urgency with believability is one I’ve learned to navigate. It wasn’t just about completing the tasks on my list but ensuring that every output was trustworthy and accurate. In the rush to meet deadlines, it’s tempting to push through without taking the necessary steps to verify facts or cross-check details. However, this could lead to misinformation or a loss of trust—two things no communicator can afford. Yesterday was a prime example of what mass communication demands today: efficiency paired with credibility. I ha...

In communication, emotional intelligence (#EI) plays a pivotal role in shaping how messages are conveyed, received, and understood. It goes beyond verbal and non-verbal skills, tapping into the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—both our own and those of others. High emotional intelligence allows communicators to navigate complex interactions, build stronger relationships, and mitigate conflicts. A key component of EI in communication is self-awareness. When we are attuned to our emotions, we can better control how we express ourselves, avoiding reactive or defensive behaviors that can distort the intended message. This, in turn, helps to foster an environment of open dialogue and mutual respect. Equally important is empathy—the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathetic communicators listen not just to words but to emotions, enabling them to respond in ways that acknowledge and validate the other party's perspective. This enhances...

In the world of #communication, especially in the #media, #PR, and #event planning sectors, we often prepare meticulously, striving to anticipate every scenario. We craft talking points, draft speeches, and rehearse our lines, all in the hopes that everything will unfold seamlessly. Yet, even with the most careful planning, life has a funny way of throwing curveballs. That’s when the magic of unscripted moments happens—the moments that require adaptability, spontaneity, and quick thinking. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in my years as a communications #professional is that not everything will go according to plan—and that’s okay. In fact, some of the most impactful moments I’ve witnessed or been part of were entirely unplanned, happening in those instances when the script went out the window, and we were forced to adapt on the fly. Take, for example, an event I was covering recently. It was a high-profile #ceremony with numerous #speakers, all following a carefully outlin...

The morning began like any other in Akure, but for me, it was a whirlwind from the moment my boss stepped into the office. I barely had time to settle in after the Morning Prayer, let alone grab breakfast. Just as I was organizing my thoughts for the day, he calls me into his office. "I need you to cover the opening ceremony of a training programme. It starts at 10; I mean 10 for 10" he said, urgency in his voice. I was taken aback. What programme might this be I wondered but there was no answer. This wasn’t on my agenda, but I knew better than to hesitate. So immediately I consented. In quick strides, I gathered my notepad, pen, and personal effects, making a mental checklist of everything I needed and dashed to gather my team. As I dashed out the door, I could feel the familiar excitement of an unexpected assignment coursing through me. The air was thick with humidity, and I knew rain was on the way in accordance with the predictions of the weather forecast. Upon arriving ...

In the fast-paced world of corporate communication, mistakes can happen every  now and then.  Have you ever been in a situation  when a seemingly minor oversight quickly spirals into a full-blown crisis? For instance, during a major a event, a press release was sent out prematurely, containing incorrect information about a key speaker. The media caught on, and within hours, your establishment was facing a whirlwind of inquiries. The error wasn’t just embarrassing; it threatened the credibility you had painstakingly built. The first step is to acknowledge the mistake, both internally and publicly. Rather than making excuses, then issue a swift retraction, coupled with an apology to stakeholders and the media. Transparency should become your shield. Also follow up with a corrected release and contact key journalists to ensure the accurate information is disseminated. Behind the scene, analyze how the error occurred, and implement stronger checks to prevent futur...

Building a successful career is often about persistence, learning, and adapting, especially in those early days when everything feels unfamiliar. I remember when I resumed work years ago, still somewhat "grey" despite my prior experiences at various places: a brief stint at NTA, the Public Relations Unit of a State University, a telecommunications company as a Marketing Officer, and even as Advert Manager of a small newspaper publishing firm. Those roles had prepared me, but the terrain still felt new. I never allowed myself to be idle. Even while pursuing further academic qualifications to better fit into my vision of becoming a high-flying PR professional, I was always striving to learn more, pushing myself beyond my limits. I wanted to be ready for the challenges that came with the path I had chosen. One aspect that truly tested me was writing. There are many types and styles of writing, and I quickly learned that in a professional setting, your editor holds the final say...

Independence Day, for most nations, symbolizes a time of great celebration, patriotism, and reflection on the sacrifices made for freedom. It is an annual reminder of the journey from colonialism to self-governance, a victory over oppression, and an opportunity to unite citizens around a shared history and future aspirations. In Nigeria, October 1 marks this historic event, commemorating the nation's independence from British colonial rule in 1960. However, despite the significance of the day, there is a palpable quietness that pervades the atmosphere, a subdued mood often far removed from the jubilation seen in other nations. This reality begs the question: why is Independence Day, in Nigeria, often met with a sense of apathy and quiet? The answer lies in what many have come to refer to as "The Nigerian Factor." The Nigerian Factor: An Impediment to National Pride The term "Nigerian Factor" is often used to describe a multitude of systemic challenge...