Hamzat Ameenat
Press Council, The Polytechnic Ibadan has inducted new members on Thursday, 28th April 2022, at the Press Council building, North Campus, The Polytechnic Ibadan.
The event was graced by eminent Personalities, Student leaders, new and old members of the association, as well as alumni of the association.
DR. Bisi Olawuyi, The Dean, Faculty of Art, The University of Ibadan, who doubles as the guest speaker of the event, handled the theme of the event; Strengthening campus Journalism in Nigeria Tertiary Institution.
He explained what Journalism is all about and the dangers social media has posed to traditional media.
He buttressed that he is a strong advocate of social media regulation, as he said the medium has been turned into an arena where fake news and news sensationalism are celebrated.
He further charged all campus Journalists, as well as members and the inductees of the council to endeavor to fast check facts in their news stories before publication.
” Journalism is not about writing to avenge what someone has done for you but it is about reporting stories fairly and accurately. Journalism has moved from the era of ” in doubt? Leave out” to the era of, ‘ when you are in doubt, find out!”, he said.”
While concluding his speech, he advised the council to get involved in campus Journalism at the national level, collaborate with other press bodies like UCJ UI, and gain ground on the campus, the council needs to strengthen all the departmental and faculty press under them.
Mr. Olusoji Olatunji, Senior Lecturer, Mass communication Department, who doubles as one of the staff advisers of the council, encouraged the inductees to learn the nitty-gritty of news writing and uphold professionalism as a value.
He implores them to fast check their data and be sure of whatever information they will be putting out there.
The Editor-in-Chief, Union of Campus Journalism, University of Ibadan, Oluwatobi Odeyinka, during his admonitions, shared his story about journalism and gave words of advice to the Inductees.
He said, ” Whatever you’re doing, strive for excellence, do not settle for mediocrity. Invest in your self-development as much as you can and always strive to improve more on your writing skills.”
The Inductees took the Oath Membership led by Chairman, Press council, Bello Olusegun and one of the alumni of the council, Otunba Sanni Olorunwa, gave the closing remark as he welcomed the Inductees into the big family.
Congratulations and welcome to the family of press. 👏