Crest FM Academy, the training arm of Crest 106.1 FM, has graduated a fresh cohort of trainees, pushing the total number of professionals produced by the institution to over 300 graduates since its establishment in 2021.
The graduation ceremony that held on Thursday, December 11 in Akure, was a sum up of intensive training programmes in broadcasting, media production, presentation, newsroom operations, and digital content creation for the graduates.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cresthills Media, Prince Ade Adekanmbi, described the milestone as a reflection of the organisation’s commitment to nurturing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s broadcasting and creative sectors.
He charged the graduates to remain ethical and principled in their careers, warning against compromising journalistic integrity.
“We need journalists who uphold professional ethics, speak truth to power, and stand firmly with the people,” Adekanmbi said.
The media executive also announced the launch of the Crest FM Academy Fans Club, an initiative designed to deepen audience engagement, promote youth participation in broadcasting, and provide mentorship and outreach opportunities for emerging talents.
Delivering the keynote lecture, veteran broadcaster Mrs. Bisi Adanri spoke on “Navigating the Challenges of Misinformation Amidst the Prevalence of Financial Intelligence.” She emphasised the role of Artificial Intelligence in combating misinformation and the growing threat of deepfakes.
According to her, AI tools can help detect synthetic media, identify coordinated disinformation campaigns, and flag misleading content in real time. She called for stronger collaboration among journalists, educators, and technology firms to safeguard information credibility.
Also speaking, Group Chief Operating Officer of Cresthills Media, Mr. Adeolu Gboyega, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to expanding the academy’s programmes and upgrading its training facilities.
The pioneer Provost of the academy, Ms. Temitope Dare, noted that Crest FM Academy combines theoretical instruction with hands-on studio experience, allowing trainees to participate in live broadcasts and newsroom operations.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Adekunle Babatunde expressed appreciation to the academy for equipping them with practical skills and confidence to pursue careers in media and communication.
