The Executive Director of MCDN, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin,  said in a press statement that the report, titled “Media Career Check-Up 2025: Lessons, Gaps, and Growth Paths for Nigerian Journalists”, is based on personalised assessments conducted with journalists across different beats and media platforms.

“It highlights common challenges in areas such as career planning, mentorship, digital skills, welfare, work-life balance, and leadership development.

“The report also outlines practical recommendations for strengthening journalism in Nigeria, including fostering a culture of mentorship, providing continuous professional development opportunities, and promoting initiatives that enhance journalists’ well-being,” Otufodunrin stated.

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According to MCDN, the findings not only serve as a guide for individual journalists but also provide important insights for newsroom leaders and media support organisations in Nigeria and beyond on how best to support journalists’ growth and sustainability in the profession.

“Just as regular health check-ups help people stay healthy, journalists also need career check-ups to reflect, adjust, and grow in their profession. This report gives a picture of what journalists are struggling with and what they need to thrive. We believe both journalists and the organisations that support them will find it useful,” the Executive Director explained.

MCDN will be holding newsroom briefings to discuss the findings and engage with editors and media managers on how they can better support their teams’ career development.

The full report is available for free download via the MCDN website: https://mediacareerng.org/mcdn-releases-media-career-check-up-2025-report/

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The theme is “Media Career, Mentoring and Innovative Journalism: Identifying the Gaps, Connecting the Dots.”

The summit will bring together a distinguished line-up of media development experts, mentors, emerging role models, and proteges to explore ways of strengthening mentoring practices in the media industry, linking mentorship with innovative journalism, and creating fresh pathways for media mentoring and development initiatives.

The programme will feature quick expert insights, mentee–mentor testimonials, a plenary discussion, and an interactive networking session.

It will also feature the public presentation of a publication titled, “Milestones of a Media Icon: A Collection of Plaudits & Testimonials on Lekan Otufodunrin”.

The testimonial publication, compiled by Mr. Sanmi Falobi, Project Manager, International Press Centre, IPC, who identifies as a long-time mentee of Mr. Otufodunrin, documents the career impact, leadership, mentoring contributions and testimonials about the transformational impact of Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin’s influence in media career mentoring over the years as a journalist, editor, trainer, young journalists mentor and media career coach whose influence has shaped countless careers in Nigeria’s media space.

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According to Falobi, coordinator of the summit, focusing on identifying the gaps and connecting the dots in media career for innovative journalism was not only desirable but imperative.

“In Nigeria’s fast-changing media landscape, where opportunities are evolving alongside daunting professional challenges, career mentoring and guided support are not only necessary, but very important in the career life of budding media professionals. They bridge the gap between raw talent and industry relevance, equipping media and communication enthusiasts with the skills, resilience, and innovation needed to make lasting impact.

“While digital creativity and artificial intelligence is opening the space for innovations, guided support and wisdom from experienced mentors remain a dire need for impact and effective media communications and journalism initiatives.”

Lead speakers/contributors expected at the session, apart from special input by esteemed media career and communications experts include:

• Prof. Oloruntola Sunday – Dean, Faculty of Communication & Media Studies, University of Lagos.
• Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka – Executive Director/CEO, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
• Dr. Theophilus Abbah – Programme Director, Daily Trust Foundation.

The event, which will be moderator by Blessing Oladunjoye will also have a Mentee–Mentor experience sharing session by:

• Elizabeth Osayande – Convener, Female Freelancers Network (FFN).
• Dayo Emmanuel – News Editor, National Wire.
• Ann Godwin – Head, South-South Bureau, The Guardian Newspaper.
• Seye Joseph – Founder/CEO, EnterpriseCEO.
• Justina Asishana – Coordinator, Media Mentors Network.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, August 15, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM (WAT – Lagos, Nigeria)

Venue: Zoom (Pre-registration required)

Registration Link: bit.ly/LOMNET-EVENT

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At the Media CEO Workshop organised by the Channels Academy  with the support of the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria I’m attending in Lagos, former U.S. News Executive Stacia Philips who is the trainer, asked participants to recall their first media job.

She explained that our recollections should remind us that though we are media leaders today, we all started down the ladder like our reporters and should support them to grow in our careers as we did.

Though my first media job that lasted a few months was as a reporter at The Contractor Magazine in Lagos, The Punch where I worked from 1987-1999 was my first ‘real’ journalism job. I started as Ogun State Correspondent in Abeokuta before I was recalled to Lagos in 1991.

Last Saturday,  I was in Abeokuta to facilitate a Media Seminar for Parish Reporters by the Catholic Church and stopped by at my former Abeokuta office. Though The Punch had since had  another office, the former one is still retained along with The Guardian Newspapers.

READ ALSO: Tinubu pledges to tackle challenges in Anambra, South East

Seeing the imposing office building still intact reminded me of my early reporting years when I send stories to Lagos through telephone or radio phone by dictating every word to radio room staff who writes them on paper and submit to the news editor!. It was the pre- Internet and mobile phone age.

It’s a long time back then when I usually look forward to seeing my stories published with my byline  Lekan Otufodunrin, Abeokuta.

I’m grateful to The Punch for the opportunity of starting out in Abeokuta. Later at the 3rd Media Leaders Conference organised by The Journalism Clinic  headed by Mr Taiwo Obe   also held in Abeokuta, I met the editor who hired me at The Punch, Alhaji Nojeem Jimoh and we spent time recalling unforgettable moments of working at the newspaper.

I joined The Punch when I was 23, today I’m 61. I thank God for seeing me through this far. Through the years, the Lord has indeed been faithful.  I return all the glory and adoration to him.

The post EXTRA: Through the years, God has been faithful appeared first on Frontpageng.

Designed for early-career journalists with less than five years of reporting experience, the year-long initiative will offer hands-on capacity building workshops to strengthen professional skills and promote fact-based ethical reporting.

Through intensive workshops to be held in Lagos, the programme will equip young journalists with the requisite skills to produce data-driven investigative reporting, introduce them to open-source digital tools to assist them in their work, and facilitate connections with senior journalists and subject matter experts for mentorship opportunities.

The clinics will cover a broad range of topics, including reporting on local governance institutions, transparency and accountability, financial journalism, public health coverage, and best practices for covering sensitive stories.

Additional sessions will focus on accessing public data, working with anonymous sources, ethical and professional journalism practices, prioritizing truth, and best practices for leveraging social media for impactful storytelling.

READ ALSO: Super TV CEO’s alleged murder: Chidinma opens defence

U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Julie McKay, highlighted the initiative as part of the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening media capacity in Nigeria.

“Press freedom and a professional, responsive, and independent media are critical parts of any democracy,” McKay said.

“By providing timely and accurate information, journalists give citizens a voice allowing them to engage in important dialogue and hold leaders accountable.”

Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin, noted that approximately 150 reporters will benefit from the capacity building programme.

He emphasized the programme’s goal of empowering young journalists to fulfill their role to keep the public informed.

“Participants will gain advanced reporting skills that enhance their ability to inform, educate, and hold leaders accountable,” Otufodunrin added.

Interested journalists can apply by sending an email to info@mediacareerng.org with details of their reporting interests.

Selected participants will be notified ahead of each bi-monthly session.

Contact: Dayo Emmanuel, Programme Manager, Media Career Development Network (08033374017).

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Date was August 27, 2024.  On the verge of the completion of the examinations of the immediate past set of the final year students in the indomitable Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, FCMS, of LASU, I got a bumper harvest. It was the maturation of some ripe, two year old seeds I had cultivated with students who were members of my Feature Writing class.  I’ve had the honour of teaching or co- teaching that course as lead tutor for ten continuous years or more, without break, till date.

At the commencement of classes for every set, I have always diffused the otherwise formal atmosphere of the classroom.  This is by asking them to always ensure that writing feature articles may require resetting their mood to one similar to that suitable for writing love letters: your reader must find you irresistible; indeed must read and possibly re-read you on account of the good flow of the prose.

But the concept of love letter is some fantasy for Gen Zs. Following the disruptive impact of the social media therefore, I lament, year after year, that this new generation of students are missing a lot. I often recall for them how enthralling love letters of the years past used to be. It amuses them endlessly but remains sheer imaginations. Some of them have, however, demonstrated good writing skills as the course progressed, genuinely aspiring to reach good heights in communication of events, issues, emotions and images.

Daniel Nworie happened to be one of such students in the 2024 set. He crowned it all with what I consider his obviously judgmental, love letter to me. Indeed, love letter of the year 2024. Read on:

Good morning to you, Prof.

I just want to use this moment to express my sincerest gratitude to you for the fatherly role you’ve played in my life these past years.

As I prepare to take my last paper as an undergraduate this morning, I feel a lot of things, but in the midst of these contrasting emotions, my mind is so clear about a few, and one of them is my gratefulness to God for making me meet you, Prof. You may not understand the role you have played in my life, but I know where I am coming from and the clarity that simply observing the simplicity and manner with which you do things has given me.

When I stepped into this school, I hoped to the heavens that I will do all I can to learn the ropes of Journalism, and explore as much as I can, but few weeks into school, I was awashed with the narrative that Journalists are poor people and don’t amount to something tangible in life. It broke me. I was advised to learn something else and not waste my time writing.

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But when I met you, and with my initial interactions with you in the course of my level’s magazine production, I renewed my commitment to pursuing the dreams that brought me to school. The confusion and lack of clarity that reigned over me for two years was decimated. I observed the passion with which you did your duty and the palpable results that followed it, and I was convinced that indeed, passion, diligence, simplicity and trust in God are the ingredients for true success. I am now renewed and determined to pursue my dreams with such tenacity as I have seen from you.

Today, as I prepare to bow out from school, I have no idea what my next phase will look like, as it is all in God’s hands, but I will launch into this phase, whatever it is, with tenets that I have gleaned from you, sir.  You inspire me in many ways, and I am grateful for the opportunity to know you. I am grateful for the gift of access you have given me, and I do not take it for granted at all.

Today, as I gear up to leave the four walls of this citadel, I promise to make you a proud father, and I won’t stop telling all that cares to hear, the important role you play in my life, and what a wonderful person you are.

Thank you so much once more sir, and God bless you real good.

Such was the extent to which I cherished this extraordinary note that I felt compelled to share it on my Facebook page, January 1, 2025. The reception that welcomed it from my friends and relations was overwhelming. Thus began a harvest of love and books. Whopping 10 interesting volumes for my Dan.

Happily, the Daniels’ judgement on me finally got the official endorsement of the LASU authorities for me to ascend the globally recognised highest academic pedestal.  My full professorship is now official, alhamdulilah kathiirah.

Distinguished Senator Babafemi Ojudu blazed the trail. Obviously impressed by the message of the very appreciative Dan, as I fondly hail my guy, Ojudu modestly reached out for Daniel’s telephone number. The senator later invited Daniel over and cheerfully handed out two copies of his newly published best seller, the 303-page Adventures of a Guerilla Journalist. One copy for Dan and the other for me.

I had known the renowned journalist and foremost pro-democracy campaigner as a colleague since my years  at Concord Press where we were both reporters. Ojudu was on the staff of African Concord weekly magazine while I wrote for the daily, National Concord. No sooner had I reported Ojudu’s benevolence on Facebook than Lekan Otufodurin announced another kind gesture for Dan. A self-motivated journalism veteran, he’s the executive director of a frontline media development not-for-profit called Media Career Development Network, MCDN, a darling of many young journos across all genres. Otufodunrin gifted Dan six different titles including his latest publication, Our Punch Years, which has been relentlessly applauded since it was released. A groundbreaker of some sort, it has turned out to be the first publication ever jointly put together by the alumni of any newspaper company in Nigeria.

Next in line was the witty founder and chief executive of Medialogistix, Mr Dotun Adekanmbi. Adekanbi, the author of the biography of the legendary advertising czar, Chief Biodun Shobanjo. “I feel we should do all that’s humanly possible to encourage ambitious and promising young folks like Daniel. There are too many distractions for their generation, so the few ones we manage to spot for great future, let’s nurture them together,” Mr. Adekanmbi told me on phone before setting out to personally come and drop biographies he had crafted on three distinguished Nigerians namely, Dr Christie Toby, wife of former Deputy Governor of Rivers State; Akogun Lanre Adesuyi and Joseph Ayoade Ogunsina.

Sunday January 26, 2025, all the way from Abuja came Ismail Omipidan, former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Oyetola of Osun State. My colleague and darling brother in law, brought Daniel and me a copy each of his newly published autobiography, Persona Non Grata, a most sizzling and daring documentation of Omipidan’s professional life. It presents a compelling read.

Like Daniel, like Itunnu Kareem, indeed way back 2018. A self-motivated student of Political Science, he had only come to our faculty to take Feature Writing. Itunnu did for me a full length tribute on September 27, 2018, titled: A Cosmos on its Own…for Dr Tunde Akanni. I felt exceedingly flattered, but hear my Itunnu:  “Why do I choose the word cosmos? Might it not be too big to eulogise a man?  But nothing is too big to use for your role model…”  He continues: “If many others are like him, then I already foresee an era of new world beaters.  That when the current legends fade away, with time as all shall someday do, the rising suns in us shall stand tall at the table of knowledge and instill that which we have inherited from men such as this…” Itunnu had soothing words for me again following my appointment as Acting Head of Journalism Department of Journalism in 2021: “I met a father and a role model… he is now climbing the ladder that befits men like him… it’s long overdue.”

Today, Dan and I now have a set of common benefactors and friends.  Who knows if ours will ultimately blossom to the level of that of Strunk and White, teacher and student authors of the legendary, Element of Style, often recommended for most undergraduates of communication studies?

Happily, the Daniels’ judgement on me finally got the official endorsement of the LASU authorities for me to ascend the globally recognised highest academic pedestal.  My full professorship is now official, alhamdulilah kathiirah.

*Akanni, PhD, member, Board of Directors of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, CJID; member, International  Board of Advisors of Dubawa; pioneer Director of the Digital Media Research Centre, DMRC, LASU; Director, Centre for Social Media Research, Lagos,  is a Professor of Journalism and Development Communication at the Lagos State University. Follow him on X:@AkintundeAkanni

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Sometimes in February, 1990, Mr Ndubuisi Ugbede, then Acting Editor of Times International, published by the Daily Times Group was redeployed to the Times Journalism Institute (TJI) as deputy director.

He was redeployed along with Mr John Araka, a member of the Editorial Board, who was first given a letter as Political Editor,  Deputy Editor and eventually, Director of TJI on the same day!

Their redeployment was regarded as Siberia posting from their former well known editorial positions.

“When we got to TJI, my Director, Araka, said, they sent us to Siberia, let us turn it to Moscow,” Ugbede recalled on Thursday at a 70th birthday symposium held for him by the Times Journalism Alumni Association (TJAA).

Siberia in Russia used to be a place of exile, punishment, and harsh conditions, while Moscow is the capital city.

They did turn TJI, which unfortunately no longer exists, to a desirable Institute with a review of the curriculum and introduction of various courses that attracted many practising and aspiring journalists who are now accomplished professionals.

His former students who organised the birthday in his honour recalled fond memories of their days in the Institute and commended Ugbede for his commitment and immense contributions to the school which offered them quality professional training that helped them in their careers.

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“We pay tribute to a life of dedication, passion, and commitment to the noble profession of journalism. Mr. Ugbede’s legacy is a testament to his tireless efforts in shaping the careers of countless journalists and inspiring a new generation of storytellers.

“We say thank you for your service, your mentorship, and your unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth and excellence in journalism,” Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, Chairman, Board of Trustees, TJAA stated in his welcome address.

President of the association, Clifford Agugoesi said he is  passionate about reviving TJI so that the legacies of Ugbede who he described as a master trainer of media men and others would not be forgotten.

Chairman of the planning committee of the event, Muyiwa Lucas, said outstanding media managers like Ugbede should be honoured and acknowledged in appreciation of their invaluable contributions to the capacity development in the country.

He said media organisations should regard it as an obligation to support media training institution and allocate more resources and personnel to train students who come for internships.

Responding to the various tributes, Ugbede said he was “grateful for the opportunity God gave me to serve in TJI and the honour of the birthday symposium.

“I’m very glad that many of the former students have become accomplished professionals. I have watched many of you grow and glow.”

Former Managing Director of The Guardian, Mr Martins Oloja, delivered a paper on Ethical Journalism in the past decades and the missing links while the Executive Director of Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin, spoke on “Bridging the gaps in Journalism Education in Nigeria and Beyond.”

Despite the challenges faced by journalists in the 21st century, Oloja said it was crucial that they upheld the principles of ethical journalism, including seeking the truth, minimising harm, being transparent, and being accountable.

He however noted that the media industry in the country is presently too poor to hold the powerful to account in Nigeria and the political economy of press freedom is too weak to support good and accountability journalism.

According to him, ethical journalism will continue to suffer reverses in the country because of the operating environment that is so economically dominated by the public sector.

To bridge the gaps in Journalism education which makes many graduates of Mass Communication not industry- ready, Otufodunrin said institutions training journalists should admit there are gaps and be willing to bridge them.

According to him, the institution should be conscious that they are producing staff for the industry and know what is required to meet expectations.

He said media organisations should regard it as an obligation to support media training institution and allocate more resources and personnel to train students who come for internships.

“We need structured collaboration between trainers and practitioners, including staff exchange. Lecturers should go on for sabatical in newsrooms, while more journalists should be hired as adjuncts and fellows,” Otufodunrin suggested.

The post EXTRA: Ugbede @ 70: Turning Siberia to Moscow appeared first on Frontpageng.

This semester, he informed me I should get ready to join him to teach what I have been asking for: a new course titled Media Biographies.

Beyond the theories and the limited practical experiences Mass Communication students get in school, I think there is a lot for them to learn from the invaluable experiences accomplished media professionals share in their Biographies and Autobiographies.

The students will learn a lot from her relatable story of how she ended up reading English after being a science student who wanted to be a medical doctor and lawyer when she changed over to arts.

I can’t wait for the course to commence. I have assembled more that 30 media career biographies from my library the students can choose from to get the relevant knowledge to guide them from the class to the the newsroom and other media work places.

READ ALSO: EXTRA: Thoughts on media career development, By Lekan Otufodunrin

One of the books I am recommending is UNDAUNTED: The Journey & Lessons of 20 Years of Media Practice by Adebisi Adetunji  writer, media trainer, Social Behaviour Change Communication professional and award-winning producer with expertise in radio progeamming and content creation.

The students will learn a lot from her relatable story of how she ended up reading English after being a science student who wanted to be a medical doctor and lawyer when she changed over to arts.

More importantly, her impactful broadcasting and communication career from being a youth corps member at Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan, apprenticeship days, professional bashing and hardness, Discovering the Art of Storytelling, Winning with Stories, becoming a marketer by force, stumbling into Unknown Opportunities, Changing Lives through Media Advocacy , Working in the media space and Charting a new course vividly relcolected in various chapters offer advance learning to be undaunted as she did in in our dynamic media industry.

UNDAUNTED is a book every GEN Z wanna be journalist, broadcaster, communication expert and new media professional should read.

Mid-career and other practising journalists and broadcasters would also find useful lessons  to achieve career goals and aspirations.

The post EXTRA: Invaluable media career lessons, By Lekan Otufodunrin appeared first on Frontpageng.

The venue is Centre for Excellence, Biodun Shobanjo Building, Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, UNILAG.

Time is 10:00 am.

According to a statement by MCDN’s Programme Manager, Mr Dayo Emmanuel, the conference is in furtherance of the organisation’s commitment to promoting excellence in media practice and enhancing the career of journalists and other media professionals in the country.

The theme of the hybrid conference supported by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, WSCIJ, is “Maximising Emerging Media Career Opportunities.”

READ ALSO: Helicopter crash: NSIB says fifth body recovered

The keynote speaker for the conference is the Nigeria Editor of Africa Check, David Ajikobi, who will speak on the Present and Future of Media Work and Career with the founder/Director of Journalism Clinic, Mr Taiwo Obe, Broadcaster, Funke Treasure and Chief of Staff of Big Cabal Media, Anita Eboigbe as Discussants.

Other speakers at the conference include former Chief Correspondent of The Punch and Chief Executive, 1st Royal Character &Values Limited (RCV), Bosede Olusola-Obasa  (Career Development/Mapping/Planning Matrix), Development Journalist, Kofoworola Belo Osagie ( Transferable Media Skills) and Media and Development Communication Specialist, Adebisi Adetunji (Maximising Multimedia skills).

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Expectedly, this season of uncertainty unleashed on the nation by #EndBadGovernance campaigners is revealing acutely strange tendencies about the media. Whatever may be the stance of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, global broadcasting now runs ceaselessly on the telephone handset of individuals, courtesy of the internet. Facebook is hardly any less laden as the utmostly manipulable X’s Space.

This is the same country where it took us, as relentless activists, to struggle for more than a decade to secure legitimacy for community broadcasting. And (in)security was often the excuse from the authorities.  But now that broadcasting has transcended the influence arena of NBC, the nation is still hanging on to NBC in spite of repeated recommendations by experts who keep citing the example of America’s Federal Communication Commission, FCC and UK’s OfCom.  These two bodies regulate broadcasting and telecommunication services in their respective countries.  In spite of the famous Orosanye report recommending the merger of a number of government organs, the Tinubu administration, coming after two other governments that should have radicalized the regulation of broadcasting and telecommunications by bunching them up, still appears timid.

But if wisdom eludes a man while enduring some trial, can he ever get to muster wisdom? At the height of 2023 presidential campaigns, caution was thrown to the wind by several bloggers in town, many of them doing the bidding of their sponsors who did not care whatever became of the fragile peace of the nation.

Almost every report became breaking news. Such was the prefix severely abused that not a few of elders in journalism practice and scholarship expressed public concern. However, perhaps because the reckless indulgence in the deployment of that prefix may not attract any legal sanction other than undermine their credibility, that bad habit has stuck.  This presents a clear paucity of solution journalism as prescribed by conflict sensitive journalism, the respect for which every society requires during such tension soaked periods as election period.  And protest seasons such as currently playing out.

Yet again, only very recently, the executive director of Media Career Services, Lekan Otufodurin, felt so bothered about another variant of less than ethical conduct of folks who run news blogs. He tried to remind them that that indulgence in plagiarism was most condemnable as it could be considered criminal to present someone else’s work as your’s.

This disregard for caution in relation to plagiarism has however entered another worse level following the commencement of the #EndBadGovernance marches around the country. The operators of several so called news blogs, in a manner suggestive of being appendage of bad governance, readily feign ubiquity.  Rather than modestly characterize themselves as being particularly reliable for reports from a particular locality, they harvest copiously with reckless abandon from other sources and proclaim already published reports as theirs, even when it may be obvious that the report being used hours later no longer reflects the truth about wherever they are trying to report.  So, even when peace may have been restored to an otherwise tumultuous scene, the plagiarists are still giving their unsuspecting readers the wrong impression

Lekan’s position derived from his observation of bloggers’ seeming blindness to ethical uprightness especially in relation to plagiarism.  It readily derives from armchair journalism characteristic of one-person blogs giving the impression of owning multiple bureaux spread around the country.  What has happened to the pride of giving credit to the rightful sources even as the window of access may not get diminished in any way?

Scholars and professionals in journalism have always reckoned with other media as veritable news sources. It only requires that the user of a previously published report should endeavour to verify the truthfulness or otherwise of the report in question.  A smart reporter will also, as a matter of necessity, endeavour to add more value either by updating or enriching with thorough analysis by experts or some other informed minds.

READ ALSO: INEC releases final voter registers for Edo, Ondo guber polls

No respectable medium will routinely indulge in copying and pasting and expect to have quality audience.  What is left of professionalism? It’s the road to the cascading and seamless realm of content creation where anything goes.

The general public is the victim of the unpleasant degeneracy of professionalism in the media.  If it is convenient to be ignored by some other citizens, it should not be the same for us as critical stakeholders.

Content creation being a new, technology-induced, concept in the media ecosystem may never cease to amaze media professionals and scholars. So fluid and hard to define, content creation can be as amusing as may be stupefying. Being audio-visual and ubiquitous and being phone compliant and requires no sophistication to access, they are incredibly popular yet requiring no training to initiate. It’s the worst form of mimicry for genuine journalism practice.

Content creation has featured ludicrous conversations that their producers would prefer to identify as interviews.  Some of them have paraded humanity diminishing spectacles revealing subjects ranging from weirdest narrations and display of sex-related demonstrations in the most revealing forms even as they brandish varying sums of cash as baits for unsuspecting respondents who surrender to sometimes incomprehensibly laughable manipulations resultant from the hardship inflicted on citizens by the harsh economic conditions.

Unfortunately some of the self-acclaimed news bloggers have, unknown to them perhaps,  slipped into what presents them as charlatans best reckoned with as casual content creators in the way they run their routines. Some roads attempted to be blocked in Abuja in the morning period but cleared by security operatives almost immediately get unashamedly flaunted in the evening by the spineless bloggers as “Breaking News”.  To achieve what? What’s the capacity of the fellow hungry folks of Nigeria to endure ceaseless flow of  unnerving news? Do these bloggers have professional considerations in running their sites? Do they reckon that their recklessness may also rub off on their counterparts who are decidedly thorough?

Rather than wait for complainants, is it completely impossible for the National Media Complaints Commission populated by our professional elders like Lanre Idowu and Eugenia Abu and others to be proactive to arrest this dangerous slide?

The general public is the victim of the unpleasant degeneracy of professionalism in the media.  If it is convenient to be ignored by some other citizens, it should not be the same for us as critical stakeholders. Indeed, it is our proactiveness to matters such as we raise here that will lend credence to our sincerity of purpose on some other pending issues.  The same way digital technology has fuelled the craze for unfounded competition on “Breaking News” is the same way digital technology has given rise to the Cybercrime Prohibitions Act of 2015 with its conspicuous imperfections betraying rather reductionist disposition to the entire media sector. How more disempowering to us can the Cybercrime Advisory Council be?  Ensuring that our charity begins from home however may be quite inspiring.  We must be seen to be paying the needed attention to our inadequacies.

*Akanni, PhD, a Media and Conflict expert, is an associate professor at the Lagos State University. Follow him on X @AkintundeAkanni.

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That was what informed my asking a lecturer at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism,  Mr Tolu Ojemuyiwa, to allow me to address his Ordinary National Diploma 1 Part Time class last Saturday.

As usual, I recalled my student and early journalism days back in the late 80s to let them know every accomplished journalist was once at their level and what it takes to excel in the job.

I inspired and challenged them that life is a long journey and whatever they would become later will depend on how seriously they take their studies and what practical steps they start taking from now on.

Being digital natives, I urged them to maximize the use of technology more for professional enhancement than for social purposes.

When I mentioned that despite being an old-school journalist who graduated 39 years ago, I have a massive following online, including 37k plus followers on X, they were surprised.

READ ALSO: Two-storey school building collapses in Jos, students trapped

“Excuse me, sir, you dey whine me,” (whine is slang for are you saying the truth), one of the students who nodded when I earlier said I know some of them may not end up being journalists responded silently, but I heard him.

He must have been surprised when I replied, “I no dey whine you o. Please verify.”

A lady in the class said “You must be a celebrity sir.”

“No, I am not,” I replied. “I am a journalist and thought leader on media issues online.”

Sensing the students wanted more explanation of how I have been able to maximize the use of social media to enhance my media career, I shared with them personal examples of how to better use social media as aspiring journalists.

“You have to start having a professional online presence from now. You have to follow media professionals you want to be like and engage with them.

“I should be able to see evidence that you are a Mass Communication student from what you share on your social media platforms. Write and produce content on your handles to indicate what you want to become,” I went on and on and had to end my “sermon” to enable the lecturer to resume his scheduled lecture.

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