By Stephen Gbadamosi
Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has named a former Editor of The Punch newspapers, Adedayo Eriye Oketola, as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS).
INEC confirmed the appointment in a statement issued to journalists late on Monday, 27 October.
Oketola succeeds Rotimi Oyekanmi, who served under the immediate-past Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
A seasoned journalist and newsroom wizard, Oketola brings nearly 20 years of media experience and a strong record of professional excellence to his new role.
Before his latest appointment, he had held several editorial positions at The Punch, including News Editor, Business Editor, and Assistant Editor of News & Politics for Saturday Punch.
As Editor of The Punch, Oketola led the paper to significant recognition, winning the Editor of the Year award at the 2023 Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA) and securing the Newspaper of the Year award for the publication.
He also received the Editor of the Year accolade at The Industry Awards in 2022 and twice won the Zimeo Excellence in Media Awards in Johannesburg (2015) and Nairobi (2016), among other honours.
After his sojourn at The Punch, Oketola has been very visible in the Nigerian energy sector, helping to formulate policies for the sector’s growth.
Following his swearing-in, Professor Amupitan reaffirmed his dedication to reforming Nigeria’s electoral system through “integrity, transparency, and discipline.”
He emphasised that teamwork, accountability, and credible elections would define his leadership, stressing the importance of rebuilding public trust in the electoral process.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Oketola.
