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In the world of Nigerian journalism, few names shine as brightly as Olufunke Olaode’s. A trailblazer, a trendsetter, and a paragon of excellence, Funke’s story is one of unwavering commitment to her craft.
Only recently, she completed an unprecedented sprint, earning credentials from three of the world’s most prestigious institutions. And friends and colleagues are celebrating the hardworking, detail-oriented journalist.
For her, it began in the halls of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where Funke graduated with an Upper Credit (with Honours) in Mass Communication back in 2002.
Her academic prowess was evident, emerging the Best Female Graduating Student in her department and Overall Best Graduating Student. This early demonstration of excellence would become the hallmark of her illustrious career.
As an undergraduate, she blazed the trail, freelancing for Thisday Newspaper and interviewing notable personalities in Ibadan, Oyo State. Her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year saw her serving as Course Instructor at the Department of Mass Communication in Sokoto Polytechnic, teaching Communication Skills, Fundamentals of Communication, and Fundamentals of Public Relations.
Olaode’s commitment to excellence was unwavering. Five years after her first degree, she pursued a Master’s at the University of Ibadan, juggling a demanding job and academic responsibilities. Her colleagues watched in amazement as she maintained a punishing schedule for two years, earning her Master of Communication Arts (MCA.) in Communication and Language Arts.
Now, with over 20 years of journalism success, a thriving consultancy, and senior editorial responsibilities, Olaode has invested time and money in intensive programmes across three continents.
“I’m relentless when it comes to seeking knowledge,” she says, explaining her drive for continuous learning.
Her latest achievements include an Advanced Certificate in Strategic Communication from Rotterdam School of Management, an eDiploma in Effective Organisational Communication from Harvard, and a Certificate in Crisis Communication from the International School of Communication, London.
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“Harvard taught me that communication isn’t just about conveying information.
It’s about creating understanding, building trust, and driving action,” she explains. “In today’s complex organisational world, these skills aren’t optional; they’re essential.”
Her body of work is impressive, having curated the Saturday weekend column, ‘Memoirs’ for 15 years, and conducted high-profile interviews with governors, CEOs, diplomats, and industry leaders.
Her investment in educational advancement is already paying dividends, with a recent apprenticeship as Communication/Media Strategist at Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc.
As Nigeria’s media landscape continues to evolve, her journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She is a true inspiration to young journalists and communication professionals, and her story will continue to inspire generations to come.
Olaode’s academic pursuits have been supported by, and at the same time, enhanced her work at Thisday Newspaper, where she has spent her entire career since joining as a trainee reporter in January 1999. Over 25 years, she’s climbed the ladder: trainee (1999-2000), freelance reporter (2000-2003), full-time journalist (2004-2018), and an Assistant Editor since June 2018.
The renowned journalist’s practical experience gave her credibility in the classroom; she wasn’t a student learning theory in a vacuum but a practitioner looking for frameworks to enhance what she already knew. Her consulting work through the years for organisations like Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and many more exposed her to complex organisational communication needs.
She desired the formal frameworks that would elevate her practice from intuitive to systematic. “Over two decades of media experience helped broaden my horizons and improve my career prospects in Strategic Communication,” she reflects. “But I needed to understand not just how to tell a story but how to create messages that align with organisational objectives and drive success.”
Her journey, many have said, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and a reminder that age is no barrier to ambition. She is a true inspiration to young journalists and communication professionals, and her story will continue to inspire generations to come.
