Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Media Career Development Network (MCDN), Professor Oloruntola Sunday has stressed the need for a new generation of well-trained, resilient and innovative media professionals who can enhance the practice of the profession.
Professor Sunday who is the Head of Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, made the call in his opening remarks at recent the recent Media Career Development Conference held in Lagos.
He said since it’s the young and talented professionals who would continue to practice the profession when the older generation leave, media training institutions and organisations owe it as a responsibility to offer required training based on new developments in the industry.
According to him, MCDN’s goal is not just to make journalism to be a profitable career, but to be a career that’s full of purpose and truly benefits society.
“Through training, mentorship and collaboration, we are working to prepare young Nigerians to thrive as journalists who inform the public, hold power accountable, celebrate our culture and bridge the past and future with technology and creativity.
“The world needs talented reporters, analysts, film-makers and communicators like you who can capture stories that matter and shine a light on the issues that shape our lives. You have so much potential, and we’re her to make sure you have the tools to turn that potential to impact,” Sunday told participants at the conference.
He acknowledged the support of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) for the conference, stating that it’s “ support for this programme and our shared commitment to fostering excellence in journalism is something we’re incredibly grateful for.”
He urged potential donors and partners to support MCDN so that “together, we can a world where journalism continues to inspire change, educate and empower.”
Director of the Institute of Continuing Education, University of Lagos, Professor Abigail Ogwezzy, charged participants at the conference to make the most of it, noting such programmes present unique opportunities to learn from industry experts.
According to her, although there may be similar events in the future, the unique personal knowledge and nuggets shared by each speaker may never be repeated in other gatherings.
She also advised students and young journalists to change their attitudes towards attending training, conferences and capacity development programs.
“Stop waiting for transport fare, per diem or honorarium before you jump at these kinds of opportunities”, she said, adding that “attending such programmes will help showcase your interest and effort towards self-development to mentors, recruiters and help access some other opportunities,” the Professor of Mass Communication stated.
Prof Ogwezzy also commended the MCDN team led by the Executive Director, Lekan Otufodunrin for putting such a conference together featuring rich and diverse media experts.
