Ten female students from different higher institutions were brought under one roof at the International Press Centre, Ogba, during a media mentorship event #ChatwithEvelyn, which was themed ‘Why Journalism Now?’
#ChatwithEvelyn was a timely event and intervention that got the commendation of top media practitioners discourse on the wide gap between the teachings of journalism and its practice.
The event is the brainchild of Evelyn Osagie, an award-winning journalist with The Nation newspaper was organised as part of activities marking her birthday, which was on July 21, but will now become an event that will continue to address diverse issues as along with initiating mentorship programmes in partnership with diverse organisations.
With the theme, Why Journalism Now?, the maiden edition, brought together four seasoned speakers who encouraged the students, urging then to make the most opportunity of their time as journalists; and intimating them of how to brace up to the challenges ahead.
The speakers include The Nation Online Editor, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin; the founder/director of Creativity Development Centre, Henrietta Ikediashi; Senior Programmes Producer, TVC, Christy Ejiogu and Mrs Olunike Asaolu, a lecturer of the Yaba College of Technology.
Veteran journalist and founder of Journalism Clinc, Mr Taiwo Obe, who shared words of encouragements and admonition with the students, was in attendance, among other guests.
As part of the criteria for participation, the students submitted a 100-word essay on the theme Why Journalism Now?, stating what inspires their choice of career path; what drives their passion as students/aspiring journalists; and their dream for the future.
The event was supported by two media mentorship organisations Journalists for Christ (JFC) and Media Career Services.
Evelyn Osagie, the event convener, winner of 2015 Female Journalist of the year award at the Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA), is also performance poet and artist (photography).
She said, “the maiden edition of Chat with Evelyn Osagie was inspired by my love for mentoring young people. There is a growing discourse on the wide gap between the teachings of journalism and its practice; and the need for more initiatives seeking to mentorship more women journalists, especially the young and aspiring ones. And this is what the event seeks to inspire young women to reach for their dreams of becoming journalists without holding back.
“To commemorate my birthday this year, I thought of marking it a week before with a programme that seeks to inspire and nurture young female talents in the media. And the students came to mind. I decided that start with a small number. I am glad that my desire for organizing the event was immediately justified.
”One of the participants, a fresh journalism graduate, Tolulope Lawani, won an honorary slot to attend Digital Journalism training sponsored by Airtel Nigeria, which had already closed. This goes to show that great things start small.”
She added that beyond encouraging the students, she partnered with two organisations (Journalists for Christ (JFC) and Media Career Services) involved in mentorship.
“Both organisations are expected to put the students under their mentorship programmes for some time. The duration will be decided by each and communicated to the participants accordingly. Participants also have an opportunity of having the speakers as mentors,” she added.
