Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiatives, IMCAI, organized a one-day mentoring workshop for mass communication students at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT.

The one-day workshop, themed “Building a Satisfying Career in Journalism,” took place on July 5, 2024, and featured sessions led by experienced journalists, Mrs. Chiamaka Okafor and Mr. Chinagorom Ugwu of Premium Times Newspaper

The workshop began with participants registering for the event, led by Ikengaonline’s Editor-in-Chief, Uche Ugboajah’s opening speech. The head of Department of Mass Communication delivered a welcome address and urged the students to make use of the workshop to increase their learning.

The Editor-in-Chief, Uche Ugboajah gave opening remarks, and a group photograph was taken, featuring all participants, including lecturers and Ikenga officials.

Mrs. Chiamaka Okafor, a journalist and Executive Director of Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue Foundation, who led the first session on “Journalism at a Glance”, defined  journalism as a profession and social responsibility.

She dismissed the idea that ‘journalism doesn’t pay the bills,’ declaring that the profession offers diverse opportunities for supplementary income. She quipped, “The sky is wide enough for us to do other things for a source of income….” She emphasized that a good journalistic piece should possess certain qualities, which she elaborated on, providing insight into the characteristics of a good news story.

 The session became more interactive as students were grouped to write news articles, with Group Three emerging as the winner. She presented the group leader with a N2000 reward, acknowledging their efforts. Then, she took the time to provide constructive feedback, pointing out areas for improvement in their news articles. Through her guidance, she enlightened and encouraged the students, helping them grow in their journalistic skills.

Mr. Chinagorom Ugwu, a journalist with Premium Times, shared his journalism experience, highlighting ethical issues and encouraging students to establish a campus journalists’ union.

He began by introducing the concept of a campus journalists’ union, which he experienced first-hand at his alma mater, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, UNIZIK. He encouraged the department to establish a similar union, complementing their existing ESUT Monitor Newspaper.

Sharing his personal journey, he recounted how his passion for journalism began even before university, earning him recognition from lecturers and peers for staying on top of trending issues. He shared stories of his determination, from contacting Vanguard newspaper to landing a post-graduation internship, which left a lasting impression on professionals in the field emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations when writing news stories.

Students shared their takeaways from the workshop and Ikenga presented certificates and cash awards to participants.

Additionally, the Head of Department presented a copy of the ESUT Monitor to the Editor-in-Chief of Ikengaonline, Uche Ugboajah, as a token of appreciation for their collaboration and support in organizing the workshop.

 In an interview with ESUT Monitor, Mrs. Chiamaka Okafor revealed that the workshop was also held at UNIZIK as part of its focus on South Eastern universities. She expressed her desire to return and see the progress of the students. When asked about the perception of journalism as a low-paying profession, she emphasized that “quality journalism speaks for itself.” On coping with insecurity, she quoted her mentor, “No story is worth your life,” highlighting the importance of security training and analysis for journalists. She shared her passion for storytelling and her desire to continue writing news stories.

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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.

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A university don, Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa has raised the alarm that journalism practice in Nigeria could go into extinction.

Dr Ezinwa who is the Head of Mass Communication Department at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) disclosed this during his opening remark at a one-day capacity building workshop organised for the students of the department by Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative.  

Dr Ezinwa who expressed joy and described the workshop as timely msaid he is concerned that universities in the country are producing graduates in journalism who end up not practising the profession.

“I want to express my delight over this workshop which is very timely because right now, from what we are seeing as lecturers and practitioners, journalism practice will soon go into extinction in this country.

“This is a fact. Majority of the students we graduate here end up not practising the profession and you wonder why. Many of them are here for the certificate and once they graduate, they go into something else. I am not saying there is anything wrong with that but just imagine a situation where all of us decide not to lecture or practise the profession. A society without the media is a society that doesn’t exist.

“So this workshop is timely because it will serve as a wakeup call to the students on why they should practice what they have been imparted. Journalism profession is dying in this country and we must wake up to fight for its survival” he said.

Early in his speech, the Editor-in-Chief, Ikengaonline, Mr Uche Ugboajah said the workshop is part of the organisation’s efforts in creating awareness about the practice of journalism and how to ensure that the students understand the essence of the profession they are studying.

He noted that Ikenga has already trained over 60 students.

With the theme: “Building a Satisfying Career in Journalism” the mentoring workshop was held at the final classroom of the department of Mass Communication with over 100 students in attendance.

Below are pictures from the workshop

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