Nigerian Editors take another resounding professional leap, inaugurates committee on research, training, publications

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has inaugurated its Research, Training and Publications Committee, said to be part of efforts to keep members informed on emerging issues, enhance professional skills and promote journalism scholarship through book publications and research.

Penpushing reports that the committee comprises seasoned journalists and media professionals drawn from media management, academia and publishing is headed by Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Anambra State.

The other members of the committee are Dr. Tony Onyima, Fellow of the Guild and former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun; Ms. Angela Agoawike, Fellow of the Guild and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Omalicha FM, Owerri; Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Senior Editor/Member of Editorial Board, THISDAY; and Dr. Kabir Alabi Garba, Weekend Editor, The Guardian.

Penpushing further reports that the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba, speaking at the inauguration, said the Guild takes the assignment of the committee seriously and therefore carefully constituted it to reflect a healthy blend of academic scholarship and industry experience.

The number Editor in the country stressed the need to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice in Nigeria’s media industry, stating that the committee’s work is expected to strengthen journalism practice and help address the disconnect that often exists between journalism education and the realities of newsroom operations.

“The membership of the committee was carefully selected to reflect this aspiration of bridging the gap between the town and gown. I have no doubt that members will deploy their collective expertise to advance the Guild’s intellectual and professional mandate’, Anaba said

Penpushing also reports that the President explained that the Research, Training and Publications Committee was established to promote knowledge, skills and best practices in journalism and media through research, training and publications.

The President outlining the committee’s terms of reference, said the body would conduct and support research on issues relevant to journalism and media practice, including studies on readership, viewership and listenership trends, adding that the committee would also develop and deliver training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of journalists and media professionals.

“The committee will also publish materials, including books, journals and online content, that promote excellence, innovation and best practices in journalism, with the goal of strengthening the professionalism of Guild members,” he said.

Penpushing reports that the committee chairman and Fellow of the Guild, Prof. Okunna, in his response on behalf of members described the initiative as timely and significant, emphasizing that with the calibre and experience of members of the committee, he is confident that they will add considerable value to the Guild and the wider media industry.

The statement jointly signed Eze Anaba (President) and Onuoha Ukeh(General Secretary) at the end of the inauguration held at the Editors’ House, Ikeja, Lagos explained that the committee will serve a two-year term.

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