At the 32nd Anniversary of a foremost Community Newspaper in Ogun state, Prestige Newspaper, some critical stakeholders in the country has described the media Profession as one of the instruments for Nation building and the hope of the populace.
The event took place on Sunday 10th of December, 2023 at NUJ Hall, Iwe-Iroyin, Okelewo, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
While commending Prestige Newspaper, The former Head Of Service, Mrs. Iyabo Odulate described the media organization has a reputable Newspaper with balanced and unbiased reporting without any record of crime in their it Reportage, saying that it is worthy to emulate by other media organizations.
She added that, as it is very important for Media to have profit, it also needs to consider who are in need of it Service.
In his Lecture tittled “The Role of Community Media In Nation Building”, the former Director of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Sir Eddy Aina calls on stakeholders in media industry to stand firm, describing them as solution provider for the Nation Building.
While addressing the issue Regarding the lack of Fund for media organization, he said some media houses are capabl to run their organization without the support of government while some need it, disclosed that, the method of license issuing in the country is responsible for lack of fund of media Houses.
From his part, the Publicity Secretary of All Progressive Congress in the state, Ambassador Tunde Oladunjoye charges the media houses to reiterate their duties and see their job as a too for the unity of the Nation.
“On the topic of Nation building, it is a challenge for everybody even our educational structure. When i was in secondary school even from primary, we started learning Civic Education which i don’t think we have in our syllabus today. We were then taught about patriotism and so on.
“What the media needs to do is to continue it basic obligation and expectation, Education, information, entertainment and enlightenment. We will be continue to talk about what brings us together than what put us apart. Our colleagues should know that the media is very powerful. Don’t just assumed that what you are writing especially in this ages at the corner of your room it will have so many implications.
The Publisher of Prestiges Newspaper, Elder Dada Olanipekun narrated the journey and sustainability in his chosen career, and enjoined his junior colleagues in the profession to use ideas as their source of sustainability rather than collecting peanut which popularly called ‘Brown Envelope’ in return of their Service.
“The journey has been tough and has turned me to somebody who has passion for this Journalism business, who believes in it and who has been able to identify. If you are a Professionally trained person, you will want to practice and you won’t deviate from the ethical aspect of your Profession. Honestly, i feel proud and i feel good that God has been wonderful to me in terms of sustainability of the Newspaper. Papers are dying and many things are wrong by either the publishers or reporters.
“It is our social responsibility to root for the citizens. They have nobody because they go up and down, they will come for you. The media must look at the pain people are going through and be able to identify the pain of the masses because the media too is within the masses. We are human beings too and we must make sure that the interest of the masses is our priority. You are practicing and you are not bothering about human beings or Communities but you are only bothering about Government. I’m afraid because those in government will leave and become citizens too and they will be running after you.
“I must confess to you. If you are a principled person and you want to achieve anything, you will achieve it. If the ethical aspect of media is properly done, you will survive too. The issue of brown envelope is so stinking and so annoying because if you go to PRO now, if he/she get 10,000, he/she will give you 2,000. Same thing with those in government, it is either supporting you, there is nothing wrong with Government to support media or to support Journalists, they don’t need to support you with stipends. They have to look at what are our problems, how do we solve the problems so we will be able to okay because this job is not easy. It is so tasking, labour intensive and capital intensive. So, as far as I’m concerned, I told God when i started that i will Never involve in brown envelope and i ask God how do i survive then ideas come. So you have to look for idea because idea rules the world.
Highlight of the event is the recognition of some individuals with Meritorious Awards and unveiling the new edition of the Prestige Newspaper.