Shedrack Eze, Blessing Nwopkwu, Amarachi Daniel

Determined to creating awareness about journalism practice in Nigeria, Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative on Friday held a one-day mentoring workshop for students of Mass Communication Department, ESUT.

with the theme: “Building a Satisfying Career in Journalism” the workshop featured practical exercises, question and answer sessions as well as news writing segments.

Making her presentation on the sub-topic, “Journalism at a Glance”, Miss Chiamaka Okafor, a journalist and Executive Director Media and Information Literary and Intercultural Dialogue Foundation, took the students on the rudiments of news gathering, writing and reporting.  

Ms Okafor emphasised on the need for the students to be amenable to the several opportunities that abound for them in the journalism profession stressing that journalism practice is a noble profession everyone should aspire to join.

On his part, Mr Chinagorom Ugwu of Premium Times dispelled rumours that journalism doesn’t pay. He noted that just as it is obtainable in other professions where lazy ones abound, he added that hardwork is the driving force in earning a good living in journalism.  

Speaking on “Ethical Issues in Journalism” he emphasised the need for the upcoming journalists to imbibe the ethics of the profession and operate within the shores. He listed ethical conducts a journalist should uphold.

“Accuracy and factual reporting are ethical. When faced with speed and accordance in news reportage, accuracy should take prominence. Another ethical rule is none disclosure of source’s identity. A rape survivor’s name should not be disclosed so as not to permanent etch her name on the report. Don’t mention names of rape victims or a minor.

“Do not accept ‘brown envelope’ in your reportage. When you collect a brown envelope, you have sold your conscience, objectivity is compromised,” he said.   

The one-day mentoring workshop had over 100 students in attendance as well as lecturers including the head of the department, Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa who gave vote of thanks after the programme.