ABRIDGED PROFILE OF LOIS OTSE ADAMS FOUNDER, UDUKHOTSE FOUNDATION; CO-FOUNDER, AUTHORS-IN-SCHOOL CREATIVE CLUB AND PUBLISHER, LEAD AUTHOR AND EDITOR, STARS AND STYLES COMMUNICATIONS LTD
Lois Otse Adams, a multi-talented and industrious Nigerian, embarked on her writing career and humanitarian service during her school years. As a creative writer, public relations/communication expert, and widely read author, she actively engages with various community-based platforms to mentor young people globally.
Education:
Lois holds a National and Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication, specializing in Print Option. She has earned two Post Graduate Diploma Degrees in Journalism and Theology, two Masters Degrees in Media Arts and Christian Education, two Diploma Degrees in Creative Writing and Computer Operations, and currently on her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Media Arts. Her Ph.D. focuses on political communication, specifically on herders/farmers crises in North-Central States of Nigeria.
Public Service:
As a journalist and media practitioner, Lois has served and continues to serve in various capacities within government organizations. She has provided media, public relations, and diplomatic services under special duties and economic departments. Notably, she served as a private writer to the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning under President Buhari-led government.
As a researcher, Lois contributes to the body of knowledge, projecting the healthy prospects of digitalized government programs such as the eyemark.com app initiative. She authored an academic paper titled, “Transformation Governance: The Role of Eyemark and Information Technologies in Citizen-led Monitoring and Evaluation of public projects in Nigeria.”
Teaching and Mentoring:
Driven by determination, resilience, and a passion for teaching and mentoring young adults, Lois served as a Graduate Lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja. She is presently a part-time lecturer at the Department of Broadcast, Film and Multimedia Studies, bringing enviable quality and sound experience to her role as an active player in the creative/literary industry.
Laurels:
Lois received an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) from the IRSBACCOMM University, Republic of Benin, in recognition of her creative writing, public relations, and humanitarian service. This prestigious honor came with a visiting lecturer offer.
Community Service/Activism:
Adams passionately champions the cause of the girl-child, vulnerable women, the less privileged, and students, particularly in rural communities. Through the Udukhotse Foundation, she defends and gives voice to these groups, providing aid to elderly citizens, widows and people living with disabilities. Lois has successfully presented and won several cases in favor of victims, the voiceless, and the oppressed.
She conducts training sessions in various communities, and her mentees have presented her research papers across Nigeria. Lois supports these activities through regular financing from the proceeds of her books, other earnings, and goodwill support from various communities.
LITERARY EDUCATION
She embarked on her literary journey as an undergraduate, holding the position of Vice President in the Courier Press Club. As the Co-founder of the ‘Authors in School Creative Club,’ she guides students in critical literary education, assists in completing creative works, encourages publication, and facilitates earning a living through them by registering business names. Currently, she oversees the My Story Book class, where individuals share their inspiring life stories, transforming them into published works. This initiative has led to the establishment of an e-commerce bookstore, benefiting authors.
LITERARY MEMBERSHIP
She is a member of various literary associations, including the Abuja Writers Forum and the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Served as the National Treasurer for ANA, and she earlier played pivotal roles at the state level, holding positions such as Publicity Secretary, Treasurer, and Interim Chairman, contributing to the stabilization of the national body and the appointment of substantive Chapter Executives on May 8, 2021.
She is also an active member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the National Association of Women Journalists, the National Publishers Association, and the Best Sellers Authors Association.
HER WORKS/BOOKS
She authored works such as “Olaitan Oyerinde: His Struggles for a Better Nigeria,” “Udukh: the Surrogate Daughter” (sponsored by the foundation), co-authored “Flying Five Flags” with her father, and wrote “Stigma.” These books have garnered numerous recognitions and awards. Additionally, she has several unpublished books.
PUBLISHING
Since 2008, she has been involved in publishing through Stars and Styles Magazine, now starsandstyles.ng. With a focus on projecting and celebrating lifestyle, tradition, culture, and achievers. Stars and Styles Communications and Publishing Company Limited has published her works and those of other authors, such as “Are the gods Truly Working?” by Cos-lewis Osigbemhe and “The Evil Plot” by Sarah Aliu. Lois has also edited numerous works and journals on humanitarian grounds.
AWARDS
Recipient of multiple awards and recognitions, including ‘2014 Outstanding Performance in Creative Writing and In-depth Research,’ ‘2015 Teens Favorite Positive Empowerment Personality,’ ‘2016 Female Writers Award of Excellence,’ ‘2017 CNN Community Hero Projection Stage,’ ‘2018 International Association of World Peace Advocates Ambassador of Peace and Human Rights Defender.’
She received the ‘Unsung Philanthropists 2019,’ ‘2020 Membership of Best Sellers Author,’ ‘Noble Achievers Award of Excellence in Media and Youth Development of the Year 2020.’ Recognized for her strength of character and contribution to community and human development, she received the Kingdom Service Award 2021 from the International Bible Academy (IBM) and International Ministerial Council (IMC) USA.
More also, she was honored by the Abuja Luxury Real Estate Industry Night and received the Award for her Service to Man and Country, ‘Most Influential Founder 2022’ by Wake Up Africa, recognition as one of the ‘most 100 influential women’ in commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day, and the 2023 Merit Award for her contribution to Afenmai Infrastructural and Human Capital Development, among others.
EXPERTISE
Adams served as a Culture Guide to Edo State Government Officials during a visit to MATRADE, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2013.
She held the position of Visiting Consultant on Tourism Affairs at Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Hon. Consulate from March 25, 2014, to February 24, 2015.
Currently, Lois is the Nigerian representative of the African-German Association for the AFRICAN HOUSE project in BERLIN.
PROFESSIONAL BODY
With over a decade of experience in public relations, Lois was officially inducted as an Associate Member into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on December 9, 2021.
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Between 1988 and 1994, Lois excelled in 800 and 1500 Metres races during her secondary school days. A car accident in 2000 kept her away until 2021, when she redirected her interest to Badminton.
Lois represented the Ministry of Finance Budget and National Planning at the Federal Public Service Games (FEPSGA) 2021 in Ilorin, Kwara State, and received commendations. In 2022, she won a Bronze Medal at FEPSGA in Jos, earning recognition and a cash prize from the Ministry. Lois runs a consulting Badminton Game Academy in various communities as part of her sports contribution.
In female football, Lois played for the National Association of Women Journalists at the FAME Foundation Football Tournament, and her team emerged victorious in the 2023 International Women’s Day Tournament, defeating Team USA, Canada, AMAC, and others, earning her accolades and recognition.
