Media Career Development Network has launched its 2022 Nigeria Media Capacity Development Report with a renewed call on journalists to fully utilize opportunities available for their career development.
At the webinar held along with the launch, panellists of award-winning journalists and media managers who spoke on Maximising Media Programmes and Opportunities offered insights on how journalists can take advantage of the programmes and resources offered by media support organisations and institutions.
Justina Asishana, Niger State Correspondent for Nations Newspaper, stressed the significance of journalists promoting their work, offering expertise to colleagues, and connecting with other media professionals.
She urged journalists to expand their reach beyond their immediate platforms and audiences and encouraged them to explore new horizons.
In his contribution, Kehinde Adegboyega, Team Lead, Human Rights Journalists Network (HRJN), emphasised the critical role of media capacity building in journalists’ success. He noted that longevity in the media profession does not guarantee excellence, but rather, journalists need to be alert to opportunities within the media landscape.
“It’s not about how long you have been in the media practice but how alert you are to opportunities in the media space,” Adegboyega said and encouraged journalists to think outside the box and embrace innovative approaches to their work.
Ann Godwin, Rivers State Correspondent for Guardian, highlighted the abundance of opportunities available to journalists and emphasised the need for journalists to be creative, productive, and make optimal use of the resources and funding provided by supporting organizations and implementing partners.
She also urged journalists must justify the investment made in their development by delivering exceptional work.
David Ajikobi, Nigerian Editor, Africa Check, underscored the evolving nature of journalism and the need for comprehensive media studies in Nigeria. He urged journalists to keep track of emerging opportunities and adopt a forward-thinking approach.
Ajikobi highlighted the potential for substantial financial gains for journalists who are proactive in exploring these opportunities. He, therefore, encouraged journalists to understand the expectations of the industry and tailor their skills accordingly.
“The opportunities are there, once you apply as a Nigerian, you know what to do and how to speak the language they want to hear, they will take you,” he advised journalists.
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