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Ogun Commissioner Calls For Certification Of Journalism Profession In Nigeria

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Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji
ABEOKUTA – The Ogun state Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Taiwo Oludotun has charged media scholars and proprietors of media organizations to establish regulatory body for media practitioners in Nigeria.

Hon. Oludotun said, this became necessary to disengage quacks from journalism profession.

Hon. Oludotun gave the charge on Saturday in Abeokuta while hosting executive members of Young Media Practitioners of Nigeria (YOMPON), Ogun state chapter.

He equally implored media practitioners in the country to engage in further investigative reports.

This, according to Hon. Oludotu would allow for in-depth analysis of situation and objectivity in their news reportage.

The Commissioner noted that the proliferation of social media has allowed untrained individuals with no journalism background to venture into the profession.

He urged the National leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to establish school of journalism that will certify all journalists in the country after graduating from higher institutions of learning.

“It’s just unfortunate that people who are not trained have ventured into the profession. Social media has turned everybody into journalists.

“There should be a regulatory body for journalism. I want to implore you, irrespective of your interest, your integrity is paramount.

“Journalists should delve more into investigative journalism, as young journalists, create a niche, show class, you might not be rich now, but when you write, people will respect you.

“See yourself as an inspiration to do better. Let your write-ups inspire people to do more. Put the politicians on their toes, but if you want to criticize, be constructive and objectives. I don’t believe in impossibility.”

Speaking earlier, the National President of the association, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, said the association was borne out of the proliferation of quack journalists in the profession.

“As young media practitioners, we have observed the influx of untrained characters into the profession due to the advent of social media, but in our little way of sanitizing the profession, the few ones amongst us who are thoroughbred journalists have come together to organize training for ourselves and share ideas on current trends in journalism.”

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