Kemi Ajumobi 
Dr. Richard O. Ikiebe (Ph.D)
Writer. Teacher. Speaker. Researcher. Coach
I was a participant in a training he coordinated. Immediately I saw it was him, I said to myself “There is certainly going to be a positive mind reset.” I remember going to tell a protégée to get ready for an amazing time and before I could even say a word, she said “Aunty Kemi, I know him, he was my lecturer, he is an amazing man.” I certainly knew there was nothing more to add. If there is one thing about GenZs, they do not sugar coat anything. They share their mind freely. If we follow the scripture Matthew 18:16b “…that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established” then, calling our ‘We’ve Got Men’ personality of this week a seasoned media practitioner who personifies an outstanding amalgam of wisdom and aptitude, describes him pertinently. He is Richard O. Ikiebe (PhD).
There is no way you will sit under his tutelage that you will remain the same. He ignites something in your subconscious that gives you reason to think about your life in a way that inspires you to aim high. He validates your big dreams and assures you nothing can stop you if you do not stop yourself. I remember at that training, he also brought some smart speakers who inspired us all. However, one thing was constant, during the training, whenever groups gathered when on break, the conversations were the same “Dr. Richard is inspiring, Dr. Richard is an encourager, Dr. Richard wants us to be great…” It further buttressed what I had said, the summary being, he knows his onions and he is a good man.
One thing stands out, he is an excellent communicator. People make the mistake to think communication is about speaking good English. That is false, because you can communicate even without saying a word. What makes Dr. Ikiebe special is that he communicates to you from a good place. You can tell he means well even when he is firm. He doesn’t speak to tear down, he speaks to uplift. He is strict on timing and appreciates focus, yet he also relates with you like a father and friend. Dr Ikiebe is someone you should book a session with, no matter how highly placed you are, if you need someone to help you align your goals to reality, or your company needs that charge for the next level, he is the one to reach.
His fluency makes him a delightful speaker, yet he desists from speaking in a way that could be interpreted as conceited or narcissistic. He rather engages listeners with unpretentiousness and truth. You will find it easy to connect with him. He is humane.
His students respect him, they admire how his corrections are made with kindness, they enjoy how he encourages them and they do not feel disparaged.
Dr. Richard Ikiebe was until 2021 a full time faculty for over 10 years, and pioneer Director of the Centre for Leadership in Journalism at the School of Media Communication (SMC) at Pan Atlantic University in Lagos, Nigeria. He continues to work with the University as an adjunct Senior Fellow teaching courses in Media History, Media Leadership, Public Policy and the Media.
He currently serves as the Chairman of TechPoint.ng, an online technology media organisation and BusinessDay.
He has worked as Special Adviser (1998-99) to the Chief of General Staff (Nigeria’s Military Vice President), and as Senior Policy Adviser to the Minister of Information (1986-1990). A former Chief Executive of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Ikiebe has served on the boards of several companies including as Vice Chairman of Cornerstone Insurance Company Plc.
He obtained his doctorate in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Westminster, London, M.A., International Relations from Ohio University and BA, Journalism from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
He is happily married with a family.