By Gabriel Ameh
The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has announced the appointment of Mr. Dayo Oketola, a former PUNCH Editor, as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS).
Oketola, an award-winning journalist, editor, and communications strategist, brings to the Commission nearly two decades of distinguished experience in media leadership, public communication, and strategic engagement.
Before his new role, he served as a senior member of The PUNCH Editorial Board after successfully completing his tenure as Editor in 2024. Under his leadership, The PUNCH clinched the prestigious “Newspaper of the Year” title at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards, while Oketola himself was honored as “Editor of the Year.”
He is also the author of The Catalyst: Nigerian ICT Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens—a widely acclaimed book that documents the growth of Nigeria’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector and its transformative impact on the nation’s economy.
Beyond journalism, Oketola is the principal consultant at CommsEdge Consult, a communications and public relations firm, and an active advocate for digital economy advancement and media innovation in Nigeria.
According to INEC sources, the appointment aligns with Professor Amupitan’s strategic vision to strengthen the Commission’s communication framework, enhance transparency, and deepen public trust in electoral processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appointment takes immediate effect.
