In commemoration of the World News Day, we asked our interns, Oloruntimilehin Ayomide and Adeyemi Temitayo , to speak to with fellow students on the importance of news to them. Excerpts from the interviews reproduced below:
ADEOLA DANIEL OLUWASEGUN, Tai Solarin University of Education
How important is news to you?
News to me is a means of keeping myself updated with political, social and economic issues around the globe…with the news I get diverse understanding and awareness of happenings around the world.
What impact has reading and listening to news from the media being to you?
Reading and listening to news has been of great impact to the general wellbeing in knowledge accumulation. It has added to my knowledge as a student, as a businessman and as a career person.
Is there any major news that has helped you in any particular way?
Yes, business news has really helped me. I get latest business information related to market, what is trending in the business category, and business news is a tool that illuminates the complex choice that I as an entrepreneur face every day, decisions regarding corporate strategy, marketing and human capital.
ETUNWOKE EBUKA BRIGHT, Ajayi Crowther University
How important is news to you?
News is very important in every aspect of my life because I get informed and enlightened about events and news technology.
What impact has reading and listening to news from the media being to you?
Well, I am more informed about so many things like the xenophobic occurrence in South Africa and the reaction Nigerians had about it, elections and their impacts and even the increase and decrease in value of Nigeria Economy.
Is there any major news that has helped you in any particular way?
Yes, the political news and history of the politicians before they run for election, during the campaign period, different news and documentary are broadcast about the personalities running for any position or post. For instance, the current President of our country is not educated and for that, the law has been twisted that with SSCE certificate you can be a president.
OLADOSU OLAJUMOKE FAVOUR, Ajayi Crowther University
How important is news to you?
News is very important to me because I know what is happening around me while listening and reading the news.
What impact has reading and listening to news from the media being to you?
It has really impacted me, especially reading and listening to news from the internet. It has made it really convenient and interesting, and I have also learnt a lot from reading the news because I know what to do at the right time.
Is there any major news that has helped you in any particular way?
Basically, news on health issues gets my attention so I know how to take care of my body system and keeps me abreast of least happening.
AJAYI O. TITILAYO, Government worker
How important is news to you?
News is very important because, through it, I am aware of what is going on around the world, which is it gives me awareness.
What impact has reading and listening to news from the media being to you?
News gives me the awareness and broadens my knowledge. I know what is happening globally within and outside the country and also making me know how to tackle issues.
Is there any major news that has helped you in any particular way?
Yes, many, just like the kidnapping issues, dialogue between the Federal Government and workers, the FIFA best award and also allegations against the Vice President Osinbajo e.t.c.
BLESSED ABRAHAM, University of Port Harcourt
How often do you read or watch the news?
Well, I do that during my spare time
Has news had any impact on your life?
Surely… It has, on many occasions
Would you mind elaborating on that?
Yes, the case of the acid rain years back and other emergency information. The news updates about the previous strike for federal universities also made an impact because I would always want to know more about the strike. Even the period when there was a xenophobic attack, it made an impact on me.
What is your advice to journalists on how to continue their jobs?
Sure… They should and must continue what they know how to do best
LIZZY OKORO, Lagos State Polytechnic
How often do you read or watch the news?
Let’s say every day, the internet is filled with one news or the other.
Has news ever had an impact on your life?
A whole lot, forget me but news has helped a lot of people in the world
Would you mind elaborating on that?
Actually, I feel that without news, there is going to be a lot of confusion in the country. Many people will be in the dark about the happenings in the country. News has made it easy for people to be able to tell tales about what is happening without a reason for travelling
What is your suggestion for journalists on how to continue their good jobs?
Firstly, I would say they are doing a fantastic job and it goes to those who are good at heart and carry out their duties diligently. Secondly, I would say they should keep up the good work, it’s not easy but I know their reward is coming.
ONWUZURUIKE JOSHUA EBUKA, University of Calabar
How often do you read or watch the news?
Every time I get the chance to.
Has news ever had an impact on your life?
Yes of course
Would you mind elaborating on that?
Okay, let’s say you saw or read on the news how to do something that would help you in your daily activities. For example, there was an article on how to make liquid soap and you followed the instructions and got the desired result, it has impacted something in your life
What will you recommend to journalists on how to continue their good jobs?
Sure, there are a lot of ways their work has helped people but the writing of the fake news should be discouraged because it is destructive.
DANIEL ERUAGA, Lagos State University
How often do you read or watch the news?
I watch news sparingly, at least twice a week.
Has news ever had any impact on your life?
Definitely, news has greatly influenced my life in different ways. I will say news has saved my life in different instances.
Would you mind elaborating on that?
Let me give you an instance. I can remember vividly around this time last year, I was supposed to get something at Ikorodu and at that time there was a riot going on in the town. I watched the news that morning and I realised the town wasn’t safe
I will always recommend journalists should continue doing their good jobs.
