If many journalists have their way, they would prefer not to have opted for a career in journalism, including those who are graduates of Mass Communication.
They wish they had an opportunity in another industry sector rather than the media considering the perception that journalism is a poor-paying job with not much prospect of becoming as rich as many want.
While journalism may have its limitations, like any other sector, it’s not enough reason for anyone practising it to think less of him or herself.
It’s a job to be proud of considering what can be accomplished through it which is more than the monetary benefits.
How well one does on the job determines what can be made of it or used to accomplish other desires.
The recent appointment of Mr Olatunji Bello as the new Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) shows how far journalism can take anyone who is proudly one and gives it the best shot.
Bello who initially read Political Science at the University of Ibadan and wanted to work in a bank almost had his dream actulised when the Publisher of the defunct Concord Newspapers, Late Chief MKO Abiola gave him a note for a job at Habib Bank where he was a major shareholder.
Within minutes Chief Abiola reportedly changed his mind and asked Bello to go and work in the newspaper since he was an activist and student union leader back at UI.
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He accepted and began his career in journalism at the Concord Newspapers in 1985 and held the positions of Group Political Editor; Sunday Concord Editor, and Editor, at National Concord.
He is a winner of the US Alfred Friendly Press Fellowship and was appointed the Chairman of the Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers in 2001.
While being a journalist, he earned a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. He studied Law at the same university and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002.
His excellent performance in his media work and the connections he made on the job earned him appointments as Commissioner for Environment under various administrations in Lagos State. He has also served as secretary to the Lagos State Government.
From being a renowned journalist, Bello has become a lawyer and accomplished administrator. Many others like him have utilized their journalism experience to excel in other endeavours.
From being a journalist, the likes of Chief Olusegun Osoba and Chief Bisi Onabanjo became governors of Ogun State.
A graduate of Bio-Chemistry, Ms Toyosi Ogunseye started as a crime correspondent, rose to become Sunday Editor in The Punch Newspapers, was Head of BBC in West Africa and is today President & CEO of the United States Leadership Organisation, Presidential Precinct.
You may not be keen on being a journalist but don’t despise the opportunity to be one if that’s where you have to start your career.
Learn to put in your best in journalism while practising it and maximise the abundant opportunities it offers to move on to other endeavours if you have to.