Veteran journalist, Demolu Okuneye tasks media practitioners on tenets of developmental journalism

A veteran journalist Dr Demolu Okuneye has tasked media practitioners on need to be mindful of the fact that they are expected to play critical roles in national development, hence the need to embrace the tenets of developmental journalism.

Penpushing reports that Okuneye gave the task on Tuesday while delivering a paper on the topic,” The Role of Journalism In Promoting National Image and Development”, at the Diji Akinhanmi 4th memorial lecture, held at the Press Centre, Iwe -Irohin House, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta

The Deputy Director of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), emphasized that as the nation’s handlers make frantic efforts to reposition the country for greatness, journalists will do well to promote the tenets of developmental journalism in order to be seen to be playing well their expected roles in nation building.

Penpushing further reports that he said as much as journalists are permitted to play their role in holding the government accountable to the people, Nigerian journalists should be mindful of the fact that their reportage is one of the means people outside the country use in forming an impression about the image of the country.

The renowned media practitioner stated that journalists  need to embrace the tenets of developmental journalism, hence they must be ready to play a partnership role in national development, and avoid fake news

‘When there is the need to commend, journalists should commend, when there is the need to criticise, journalists should also do so. As journalists, we must be mindful of the fact that one of the ways people can understand what the country is like is through the prism of our reportage. Journalists should therefore avoid sensationalism and fake news in reportage. Let’s take Nigeria first in all that we do’, he said

Penpushing also reports that the Special guest of honour, who is the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media, Kayode Akinmade in his own remarks at the well-attended programme observed that as journalists, nation building should be one of the core values

The Special Guest of Honour represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communications, Mr ‘Dare Odufowokan media practitioners should see their assignments as a call to build and should be their guiding principle”.

Penpushing reports that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Adesina on his own part described the late Diji Akinhanmi as a good manager of human and material resources who worked hard and played hard as well as a giant with infectious smile, yet firm.

The former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State and the Chief Executive Officer Rock City FM, Dr. Niran Malaolu observed that journalism is a noble profession, but urged the practitioners to embrace professionalism by shunning brown envelope Syndrome and any act that is capable of degrading the profession.

Penpushing further reports that Malaolu who recalled the story of his incarceration as a journalist, detested the practice of victimization of journalists in Nigeria, while also speaking against poor remuneration for them.

The Chairman of the occasion Engr Tokunbo Odebunmi while declaring the event open described late Akinhanmi as a professional journalists to the core who was very bold, articulate and respectful,pointing out that  journalism is a profession, but professionalism in journalism is a matter of choice

Penpushing also reports that Odebunmi who is the Chairman Ogun State Civil Service emphasised that the late General Manager was a thoroughbred professional, and thereafter proceeded to announce an award of excellence in journalism in honour of deceased.

The Chairman said the award should commence from the next memorial lecture, while adding that a number of corporate organisations  which include Penpushing Media have indicated  interest to be part of the award.

Penpushing reports that Royal Father of the day, Towulade of Akinale , Oba Olufemi Ogunleye described Akinhanmi as someone who has helped to raise the standard of journalism and management while alive, urging the upcoming professionals to emulate the deceased and strive to retrain themselves in order to retain the value of the profession.

The General Manager, Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation, Mrs Toyin Sogbesan in her remarks at the occasion informed that the management  had been able to carry on some of the legacies of the Akinhanmi especially in staff welfare, through the resuscitation of car loan to workers, staff monthly award, award of best marketers of the month among others.

Penpushing further reports that Sogbesan expressed appreciation to the Governor Dapo Abiodun for the support given to the station, adding that the latest was the procurement of a brand new transmitter, which comes with a back- up generator by an Italian company, assuring that the management will continue to carry on and follow the ideals of the late General Manager.

The head of the Akinhanmi’s family, Dr Akinwale Akinhanmi in his own remarks said the deceased had implicit interest in journalism and was a man who developed himself and read widely while he was alive

Penpushing also reports that the former Chief Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta urged the younger generation of journalism should emulate the deceased, while thanking the management of the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation for sustaining the legacy in the last four years.

The event witnessed other side attractions including Ewi rendition by a former Director of Programmes Services in the Corporation, Mr Bunmi Ayelagbe, while notable dignitaries include’ Founder Penpushing Media, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Mr Da Olanipekun(Publisher Prestige Newspapers) Bashorun Festus Kehinde(former General Manager, Ogun State Television who is also the Chairman, Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, (SNB), friends of Diji Akinhanmi as well as the wife of the deceased, Dr. Jumoke Akinhanmi among others.

Penpushing reports that the event was put together by the management of the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation, (OGBC) in honour of their late General Manager.

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