Industry experts and a Lagos-based cleric have harped on the need for training and retraining of media professionals in response to the shrinking newsroom and a bloated media landscape in Nigeria.
This is coming on the back of the prevailing economic challenges in the country, which made it crucial for journalists to not only enhance their career development but also acquire skills to navigate the current trying economy.
Charles Ighele, general superintendent of Holy Spirit Mission economic realities of the country, urged media practitioners to: “Equip yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge. Brush up your talents and be hungry for development. As you age, your relevance can diminish unless you keep upgrading yourself.” Ighele gave the advice during the recent retreat/training organised by the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN) to equip its members.
Themed, ‘Empowering Christian Journalists for Impact: Integrity, Innovation, and Influence,’ the training was held with particular focus on strategies for professional growth and resilience for journalists.
Ighele, who spoke on ‘The Role of Christian Journalists in Nation-Building: Integrity, Impact, and Innovation,’ emphasised on the importance of continuous self-improvement and the acquisition of relevant knowledge to stay competitive in the evolving media landscape.
The Patron and BoT chairman of ACCoN urged journalists to carve a niche for themselves, maintain integrity, and use their profession to influence society positively. Citing Isaiah 54:14, he highlighted the need for righteousness, urging journalists to prioritise ethical reporting over financial gain.
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“The culture of heaven is righteousness. In your profession, you must uphold truth and excellence. Even the anointing oil will not replace the need for learning and skill acquisition. You must be educated in your field, and God’s power will then take you to another level,” Ighele said.
Speaking further on what media professionals can do outside news reportage, Ighele shared insights into his agricultural initiative, which led to the establishment of a university of agriculture in Ogun State, with 750 acres of land acquired for the project.
He emphasized that success stems from vision rather than financial resources, encouraging journalists to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Lekan Otufodunrin, former managing editor (Online) of The Nation Newspaper and media trainer, who spoke on ‘Media Career Growth for Christian Journalists: Opportunities and Challenges,’ shared personal experiences on how journalists can stay ahead by acquiring knowledge beyond conventional journalism.
“Write down your mission statement and outline your professional goals. Have clear short-term and long-term plans, review them regularly, and identify areas for improvement,” Otufodunrin advised.
He emphasised the need for career development, capacity building, and continuous education. He further urged journalists to attend media training, develop digital skills, and adapt to new technologies such as AI and search engines for research and reporting.
Sanmi Falobi, another resource person who spoke on ‘NGO Intrapreneurship and the Future of Faith-Based Initiatives’, highlighting the increasing role of digital media in shaping public opinion, influencing policies, and driving social change.
He noted that while NGOs have immense potential for advocacy and education, many face challenges due to resource constraints and ineffective communication strategies.
Falobi introduced the concept of media intrapreneurship, which involves leveraging media tools to drive change within organisations. He described intrapreneurs as employees who act like entrepreneurs within existing institutions, demonstrating leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills while working within organizational structures.
“Intrapreneurs take initiative, develop new projects, and improve processes, aligning their efforts with the organization’s objectives,” he explained.
“Unlike entrepreneurs who bear financial risks, intrapreneurs drive innovation while benefiting from the support and resources of their employers.”
