15 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY: WHAT GAINS FOR THE MASSES

Fifteen years of democratic rule in Nigeria has not in any way been beneficial to the masses.

This was the submission of the Chairman of a political movement, Atayese, Dr Adeolu Olusodo while discussing the gains of the masses after 15years of democracy in Nigeria.

 

 Dr Olusodo who identified Local Government Council as the nearest arm of government to the people said the arm has not been up and doing in its tasks to the masses, adding that the state is taking most of the responsibilities of the local government, hence, dividends of democracy is not evenly shared among all and sundry.

 

As inclined in the 1999 constitution, Dr Olusodo identified the major functions of a local government council as making recommendations to a state commission on economic planning or any similar body; establishment of homes for the destitute; provision of public conveniences, amongst others. He spoke further that the local government council has not been doing all these, and when they do, citizens are being levied for it.

 

Speaking, the General Secretary, Lagos Marginalized Communities Forum, Agbodemu Ishola Musibau said though there is nothing to account for after 15years of democracy, yet, citizens have been doing as if they are well pleased adding that they have not risen to the task of demanding for their rights.

 

Referring to the havoc caused by a democratic government a day preceding the democracy day, Agbodemu shared the plight of the residents of Makoko as their houses were demolished. He added that how could those people have said to have gained from the democratic rule.

 

Speaking on the way forward, Dr Femi Akinlade said the reason there is no solution to the problems in this country is because everybody wants to find solution to his/her problem instead of finding solution together as one.

He thereby enjoined everyone present at the event, which was used to mark the democracy day 2014 to co-operate and jointly work towards finding solutions to the problems facing this nation.

2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS: THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA

2015 will not be a demise of Nigeria, as many opines, instead it will be an offshoot of a better Nigeria.

This was the submission of Dr. Tajudeen Yussuf at the annual symposium of the Muslims Student Society of Nigeria, NIJ chapter which was held at the Institution’s auditorium.

While discussing the topic: 2015 in introspect: the road map, Dr. Yussuf urged Nigerians to avoid tribal sentiments and vote with their conscience, adding that the media should be up and doing in their task.

Explaining how the role of the media in the 2015 general election is very essential, Mr Abdulhakeem Isola of Silverbird Television identified public trust, integrity and truth as what media professionals should imbibe themselves in, as the trio is what sells the industry.

Mr Jubril Folami of Lagos State Television said the new media which has come to stay will enable journalists to perform their duties more effectively during the elections as there will be no restrictions to their publications.

In his speech, the Producer Sunrise Daily, Channels Television, Mr. Suleimon Eldhee said though Nigeria is in a critical period presently, there is need for every Nigerian to stand to play their role in restructuring this country.

In his closing remarks, the Amir of the MSSN, NIJ, Adeoye Abdulhakeem advised his colleagues to be full of integrity and honesty which will bring the best out of them in the profession.

REINVENTING JOURNALISM IN NIGERIA

By Blessing Oladunjoye

Passion, the driving force to succeed in every profession, is a major tool that can help to reinvent journalism in Nigeria. It’s the passion in every journalist that will keep him going in the field despite all odds.

This was made known by the Managing Editor, The Nation Newspaper Online, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin at his 50th birthday lecture and exhibition held at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism auditorium.

Delivering a speech at the birthday lecture, with the topic; Reinventing Journalism in Nigeria: The Need for Conscious Media Career Development, Mr. Otufodunrin implored media organizations to always embark on training their staff often in order to ensure that they are up to date and do not have to limit themselves to the knowledge they gained in school.

Editor, Sunday Punch, Toyosi Ogunseye identified networking as a tool which can help to reinvent journalism profession. She explains further that networking can help, if journalist can always consult those that are superior in the field, as a way of learning more.

Speaking, Executive Director Media Support Centre, Wale Fatade Wale Fatade, Executive Director, Wale Fatade, Executive Director,said if the issues of distorting mass media messages due to ownership influence or personal interest of editor or publisher is not addressed, there cannot be a new era of Journalism in Nigeria.

The celebrant, Mr Otufodunrin thereby advised journalist to invest in their career, adding that the industry leaders need to be committed to the task of providing an enabling environment to improve the capacity of journalists.