By Alumona Ukwueze
ENUGU—- An online media outfit, Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative, IMCAI, on Friday, inspired students of Mass Communication at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, to consider journalism in their professional careers.
In his opening remarks during a one-day mentorship workshop tagged ‘Building a Satisfying Career in Journalism’ at the Department of Mass Communication, ESUT, the Editor-in-chief, Ikengaonline, Uche Ugboajah, told the students that good journalism is needed in the society in order to promote good governance and to hold governments to account.
Ugboajah further explained that the mentorship workshop became necessary following dwindling interest in journalism by students of Mass Communication.
“To put it starkly, many of today’s communication students do not see journalism practice as rewarding. …As for me, I don’t know what is more rewarding than providing the community with accurate information, enlightenment and education which sometimes can be life-saving,” Ugboajah declared.
He further said that the workshop was organized with the support of the MacArthur Foundation through the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, WSCU to promote ethical journalism in the society.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Head, Department of Mass Communication, ESUT, Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa, told the students that journalism is the bedrock of media practice. He further said that no student of Mass Communication can do well in other specialisations if the person was not grounded in journalism.
While describing the workshop as timely, he added that it would motivate the students to hone their skills early in order to distinguish themselves during mainstream media practice. He equally thanked the organizers for their efforts in motivating campus journalists.
While discussing the topic, “Journalism at a Glance,” the Executive Director, Media and Information Literary and Intercultural Dialogue Foundation, Chiamaka Okafor, took the students on the rudiments of news gathering, writing and reporting.
Okafor emphasised on the need for the students to prepare themselves to exploit several opportunities that abound in the journalism profession, stressing that journalism practice is a noble profession everyone should aspire to join.
On his part, a Premium Times Reporter, Chinagorom Ugwu, debunked the rumour that journalism is not a lucrative profesion. He urged the students to work hard in order to carve a niche for themselves in journalism.
While making his presentation titled “Ethical Issues in Journalism,” Ugwu, emphasized the need for the upcoming journalists to imbibe and be guided by the ethics of the profession.
“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 sources’ identity. A rape survivor’s name should not be disclosed so as not to permanently 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 and objectivity is compromised,” he said.
Some of the student participants while speaking with newsmen declared their interest in journalism, adding that they have been motivated through the workshop.
