Adeola Yusuf, the driving force behind Platforms Africa, received the prestigious title of Distinguished Journalism Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 on Wednesday. This accolade highlights his pioneering contributions to journalism, particularly in advancing Platforms Africa into a trusted media hub for the African continent. Recognized for his leadership and innovation, Yusuf’s dedication to insightful, impactful reporting has set a new benchmark in African journalism. The award ceremony celebrated not only his achievements but also his role in empowering media platforms to tell Africa’s stories authentically and effectively.
Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), honored Adeola Yusuf at the inaugural Made In MAPOLY Distinguished Entrepreneurs Awards, recognizing him as a serial award winner and trailblazing journalism entrepreneur. Reflecting on their shared past, Dr. Odedeji shared that Yusuf, his top student over two decades ago, has embodied the values of hard work and dedication throughout his career. The rector praised Yusuf’s journey as a testament to the rewards of resilience and diligence, inspiring both students and alumni to pursue excellence in their fields.
“He was my student, and I can confirm that he was brilliant then. He was my best student, and I am happy that today he had distinguished himself in the area of Journalism. He is a journalist that is employing other journalists today through the art of entrepreneurship in Journalism,” Adeoye postulated.
“His Platforms Africa, a reputable online newspapers with distinct approach to reporting, is now among those leading the pack in Nigeria, and across the continent today,” Coordinator, Training, Extension Services and Consultancy of the MAPOLY Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (MAPCED), Mr. Olufemi Orunsola, added.
Alongside Adeola Yusuf, eleven other distinguished alumni of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) were honored at the prestigious Made In MAPOLY Distinguished Entrepreneurs Awards. Each recipient was celebrated for their exceptional contributions across diverse fields and for embodying the school’s values in their professional journeys. These awards not only highlighted individual achievements but also reinforced MAPOLY’s legacy of nurturing talent and excellence across a range of skills and industries.
Among the esteemed honorees were Akeem Salami, the visionary behind Mobile Classroom Limited App; celebrated broadcasters Doyin Kukoyi, Adeyinka Adegbite (popularly known as Omo Baba Tisa), and Ayinde Soaga; as well as distinguished legal expert, Barr. Abdul-Hafeez Atanda-Shoremi. Each of these individuals has made remarkable strides in their fields, symbolizing the values of excellence and innovation upheld by Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. Their accomplishments underscore the institution’s impact on shaping influential leaders and professionals across industries.
The honorees also included notable figures such as Olamide Lawal, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor; prolific entrepreneur Bola Solate-Ayedun; real estate expert Olamide Quadri; taxation specialist Korede Lawal; and renowned beauty and makeup artist Igwe Sylvester Theresa. These accomplished alumni exemplify the spirit of innovation and leadership fostered at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, each making impactful contributions in their respective domains. Their recognition celebrates the broad spectrum of talent and dedication nurtured by the institution.
PROFILE OF ADEOLA YUSUF
Adeola Yusuf currently leads Platforms Africa, a prominent media and leadership group dedicated to covering development-focused news across Africa, with particular emphasis on health, education, and energy. Under Yusuf’s guidance, Platforms Africa—publisher of the renowned www.platformsafrica.com—has become a trusted voice, shining a spotlight on critical issues and driving conversations that matter for the continent’s growth and progress.
Adeola Yusuf, an esteemed investigative journalist, has earned numerous prestigious awards, fellowships, and recognitions both internationally and within Nigeria. Known for his dedication to uncovering truth and fostering impactful journalism, Yusuf’s work has consistently garnered respect and admiration on the global stage, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in his field.
In 2013, Adeola Yusuf made history as the first journalist to receive the esteemed Award of Excellence from the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE). This groundbreaking recognition highlighted his exceptional contributions to journalism, particularly within the energy sector, and set a precedent for excellence in industry reporting.
In 2016, Adeola Yusuf was awarded the African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) Bursary, granting him the opportunity to advance his expertise at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. The following year, he was recognized with the Tax Justice Network Africa (TJN-A) Bursary, which took him to Nairobi, Kenya, to delve deeper into reporting on tax evasion and illicit financial flows across Africa. These honors underscore his commitment to addressing critical issues through investigative journalism.
Adeola Yusuf is a distinguished recipient of the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA), having been recognized as Best Journalist in both the Oil/Gas and Energy categories multiple times. With over ten nominations to his name, he secured the coveted award in the years 2015, 2017, and 2019, solidifying his status as a leading figure in Nigerian journalism and highlighting his outstanding contributions to the media landscape.
Adeola Yusuf has been recognized twice for his exceptional work in investigative journalism, being selected from a competitive pool of entries for The Thomson Reuters Foundation Scheme on Illicit Trade and Finance Reporting in Africa. His participation in this prestigious program in Kampala, Uganda, during 2015 and 2016 highlights his commitment to tackling critical issues of illicit trade and finance on the continent.
In 2021, Adeola Yusuf clinched the Best Story category at the Chevron/Pan-Atlantic University AWARES Alumni Awards. This accolade recognizes his outstanding storytelling ability and highlights his dedication to impactful journalism that resonates with audiences and sheds light on important issues.
In his role as a journalist, Adeola Yusuf has traveled extensively to major cities around the globe to participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops. Notably, he attended the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) conference in London, United Kingdom, in 2011, further enhancing his expertise and broadening his perspectives on critical issues affecting the region.
Adeola Yusuf has frequently traveled to Houston, Texas, widely recognized as the global hub for the oil and gas industry, to participate in the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). His commitment to expanding his industry knowledge also led him to attend key events, including a conference organized by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), among other significant gatherings. These experiences have enriched his understanding of the sector and informed his impactful reporting.
Adeola Yusuf is a highly sought-after analyst specializing in financial and energy policies, covering sectors such as oil, gas, power, and renewables. His expertise has made him a familiar presence on several prominent media platforms, including News Central TV, Channels Television, Arise TV, TV Continental, Lagos Television Authority (NTA), Ogun State Television, Radio One, Women Radio, Mainland FM, and Radio Lagos/Eko FM. Through these appearances, he provides valuable insights into critical issues shaping the energy landscape.
Adeola Yusuf distinguished himself as the overall best graduating student across multiple academic levels during his studies at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) and Crescent University Abeokuta (CUAB), earning his National Diploma, Higher National Diploma, and Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication in 2003, 2005, and 2013, respectively. His academic excellence continued at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he graduated as one of the top students in his Master’s program in 2015, solidifying his reputation as a dedicated scholar in the field of communication.
Adeola Yusuf’s extensive journalism career includes impactful tenures at several prominent media outlets, showcasing his versatility and depth in the field. He has contributed to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), The Monitor Newspaper, Ogun State Television (OGTV), The SUN Newspapers, The Week Magazine, Daily Independent Newspaper, New Telegraph Newspaper, and Platforms Africa. This diverse experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the media landscape, enhancing his ability to deliver insightful and compelling stories.
Currently a PhD candidate at Lagos State University (LASU), Adeola Yusuf also shares his expertise as a lecturer in Specialized News Writing and Online Journalism at both the Lagos State University of Technology (LASUSTECH) and Eko City Polytechnic (EKOCITY) in Lagos. His academic pursuits and teaching roles reflect his academic pursuits and teaching roles reflect his commitment to nurturing the next generation of journalists and contributing to the evolving landscape of media education.
In conclusion however, Adeola Yusuf is an active member of several professional organizations that underscore his commitment to journalism and industry standards. He is affiliated with the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), the Nigerian Association of Energy Correspondents/Editors (NAEC), the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN), and the Thomson Reuters Foundation Wealth of Nations (WoN). These memberships reflect his dedication to fostering excellence in journalism, particularly in the realms of corporate, energy, and education reporting.
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