An Alumnus of Covenant University, Miss Shemilore Afolayan, has enlightened students of the Mass Communication Department of the University on how to create alternative sources of income alongside their basic career focus, in order to better manage the challenges on their path to a stable financial future.

She highlighted on that during her presentation as a Guest Speaker, at a recent Town and Gown Seminar of the Department, with the theme, ‘Alternative Sources of Income for Young Media Professionals,’ where she encouraged the students to have alternative sources of income as media professionals.

Miss Afolayan, who is also a Communications Enthusiast and a former writer for Guardian Newspapers, decried the high level of dependence of many young people, especially students, on parents and relatives for money, instead of making efforts to be enterprising. A lot of the time, she said, the focus is on needing huge sums of money as capital, which is a misconception, as many businesses are products of great ideas, and not necessarily big capital.  

She further stressed that there should not be too much dependence on regular jobs before money can be made; stating that in her case, over time, even after graduation, she realized that there were many alternative sources of income that can be explored, aside from basic jobs. She added that even after getting a regular job, in the comfort of one’s home, one can have a side gig.

Furthermore, she asked the students to cut off all limiting thoughts that may be keeping them from achieving the visions or ideas they have conceived in their minds; stating that limitations are not necessarily real, but negative images, created by the mind as a result of fear.

She highlighted that anxiety, foundational knowledge, capital, education and networking should never be a limitation to pursuing any goal, running with a vision, starting a side hustle, getting another degree or becoming an entrepreneur. She added that one should not wait to acquire all knowledge before they start working on any project, business, vision or career. She also encouraged students to be attentive in taking part in the Entrepreneurial Development Studies (EDS) programme in the institution, so as to maximize the opportunity to learn a skill.

In conclusion, the Head of Department, Mass Communication, Dr. Kehinde Oyesomi, appreciated the Guest Speaker, who she described as a great Alumnus of the Department. She encouraged the students to pay attention and learn as they would one day be called on to impact others. She commended the students as young media professionals who are already doing well in their areas of focus. She pointed out that it is important for students to be trained, and also important that they train themselves.

Also at the event were other senior Faculty and Staff of the Department.