Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Ikengaonline, the flagship online news platform in the South-East, has concluded a one-day workshop for students on news writing techniques and objective reporting.
The training was held for a combined 90 students of Mass Communication department at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) and Paul University (PUA), Awka. It took place at the FM Hall of UNIZIK in Anambra State.
Themed, Building a Satisfying Career in Journalism, “the mentoring programme was held with support from the MacArthur Foundation through the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ).
Editor-in-Chief of Ikengaonline, Uche Ugboajah, in his opening remarks, said the event is one of the activities of the Ikenga Media Cultural and Awareness Initiative (IMCAI), Publishers of Ikengaoline, aimed at reviving the passion of students in mainstream journalism practice.
Ugboajah said the workshop was considered necessary because of the declining interest and the observation that many students of mass communication are now reluctant to pursue careers in mainstream journalism.
According to him, a “greater number seem to opt for advertising and public relations, which they consider more profitable.”
He also said many of the present-day Communication students do not see journalism practice as rewarding, hence the drive to bridge the gap and enlighten them on the benefits that abound in the profession.
In her brief remark, the first female professor of mass communication in Nigeria and Anambra NUJ Matriarch, Prof. Stella Okunna, admonished the students on the need to strive for excellence, reminding them that the ultimate good is becoming a professional in every chosen field.
Lending her voice, Prof Chinwe Uzochukwu, a former Head of the Mass Communication Department, Unizik, advised students to shun distractions, subject themselves to mentorship, and remain focused to achieve their life goals and aspirations, particularly in the Journalism profession.
In her lecture entitled: “Journalism at a Glance,” Executive Director of Media Information Literacy and Inter-cultural Dialogue (MILID) Foundation, Chiamaka Okafor, encouraged the students to pursue their passions in journalism and position themselves to make a difference in society.
Taking them through the rudiments of journalism, she reminded them that journalism cannot be forced on a reporter, but rather must be an occupation driven by flair and passion.
The second facilitator, Uzor Maxim Uzoatu, a renowned author and veteran Journalist whose lecture centered on “Sharing Journalism Experience: Ethical Issues in News Reporting,” reminded students of the need to always balance objectivity with sensitivity to thrive in the profession.
Earlier during her welcome address, Dr Chioma Agbasimelo, the Head of Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK, described the workshop as a “handshake between town and gown and a cardinal element in the institution’s philosophy of pursuing excellence.”
Commending Ikengaonline, she urged students to see the workshop as a rare opportunity to reignite their passion by applying what they have learned. She also urged them to step down the knowledge gained at the workshop to classmates in their schools.
In their testimonies, Rosemary Okoroafor, a 400-level student of Paul University; and Chukwubuikem Nwoma, a 100-level student of Unizik, said they have gained a deeper understanding of Journalism and how it is practiced in the larger society.
Breakout sessions, group exercises, and awards of certificates formed high points of the event.
