The College of Communication and Media Studies at Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, hosted a personal branding event on Thursday, July 2, 2026, where a marketing communications expert, Anietie Udoh, challenged students to take deliberate control of their professional identities before the world defines them.

Udoh, Divisional Director of Marketing at Marketing Edge Magazine, addressed participants at a programme themed "A Brand Called You: Be You, Be the Brand, Own Your Identity," organised by 400 Level Public Relations and Advertising students to spotlight the intersection of personal branding, professional identity and career development.

He told the audience that a personal brand extends far beyond physical appearance or social media followership, arguing that it is shaped by consistent character and repeated actions over time. "A brand is the feeling people get when they encounter you. It is the promise you consistently keep, your reputation built one interaction at a time, and what people say about you when you leave the room," he said.

Udoh anchored several of his arguments in the trajectories of prominent Nigerians. He pointed to Aliko Dangote as evidence that enduring brands are products of sustained focus and long term commitment, while citing Burna Boy, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as individuals who converted rejection into global influence through authenticity and resilience.

He also drew from his own career, recounting how failed business pitches and the loss of a significant client ultimately fortified rather than derailed his professional path. "The things that almost broke me are the things that built my brand. Every setback forced me to reinvent myself and discover my unique voice," he told the gathering.

Udoh identified values, voice, and visual identity as the three pillars of every strong personal brand, and pressed students to communicate their identities actively on both offline and online platforms. He singled out LinkedIn as the defining digital first impression for professionals in the current era.

"Our generation has no excuse for remaining invisible. Build your reputation before you need it. Be intentional about the value you create because your brand is your greatest career asset," he stated.

The event also featured a panel discussion and interview session. Other contributors included Associate Professor Kayode Okunade, Dean of the College; Dr. Sunday Ogbonna, Head of the Department of Mass Communication; Dr. Ayisha Olanrewaju, Chief Executive Officer of Corporately Lucid; Sunday Ayetutu, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Lagos Chapter; and Bishop Odukoya of Acceler8ed Marketing.