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Mass Communication Students from the Orlu Campus of Imo State Polytechnic, on Friday January 21, 2022 visited the corporate office of Nigeria Watchdog Newspaper on excursion.
The students led by one of the pioneer staff of the department of Mass Communication, Mrs Amaka Ihejirika and their course Representative,Nwaihu Evans chinonso were conducted round the office by the Publisher, and Chief Executive Officer of the media outfit, Comrade Precious Nwadike who lectured them on the numerous opportunities available to media practitioners who are determined to excel in the profession.
The 2019 UPP candidate for Orlu senatorial zone and Chairman of Imo state Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists,NUJ advised ahe students to take their studies seriously and refuse to accept the notion that there are no prospects in journalism practice, stressing that the role of the media highlighted in section 22 of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria as amended which states that, “the press shall hold those in authority accountable to the people”makes the press the mirror of the society.He emphasised on why effort should be made to adhere to the ethics and ethos of the profession while reminding them that journalism as a mirror,when broken, the society suffers.
“To this end, the media practitioner is not only expected to be bold and courageous but also live above board. If you study hard and carve a niche for yourself you can be a media consultant, delve into advertising, public relations or make a name in the print and electronic media.
“You can also be media aides to top government officials. It all depends on how you build up capacity. All you need to have at the back of your mind is that journalism is a noble and respectable profession practised by those referred to as gentlemen of the press because of their unique, decent, humane and sincere approach to issues.”
The students who were drilled on the practical and basic rudiments of newspaper production wrote reports and articles that will be published in their own newspaper that will be unveiled in no distant time.
The representative of Head, of the department of Mass Communication, Imo State Polytechnic, who led the students on the excursion urged them to ask relevant questions and make the best use of the opportunity offered by their visit to Watchdog Newspaper which is aimed at preparing them for the publication of their own newspaper which will be unveiled very soon.
In her vote of thanks, Isiohia prudence Onyinyechi who spoke on behalf the Mass Communication students commended the management and staff of Spectacular Publishing Ltd, publisher of Nigeria Watchdog Newspaper “for the unique and enriching opportunity which has sharpened their practical knowledge and understanding of what newspaper production and journalism generally entail.”
