Precious Akintulubo.
Mass Communication students and young journalists have been advised to maximize available opportunities to enhance their media careers.
The advice was given at a Christian Fellowship on Saturday organised by Journalists for Christ (JFC) to mark the 2022 International Youth Day at the International Press Centre, Lagos.
The fellowship themed “The High Call Of Journalism; What Mass Communication Students, Young Journalists Should Know About Media Career”, had in attendance young journalists from institutions and different media organizations.
JFC is a faith based media organization spreading the Gospel and promote excellence in the media practice.
JFC was founded in 1998 at Punch Newspapers by Lekan Otufodunrin who was at that time a full time journalist and doubles as the president.
Otufodunrin who spoke during the fellowship said the fellowship aims at teaching “journalists how to balance faith with work”.
At the fellowship, the president analyzed different Bible verses that showcased journalists as an ambassador of Christ.
“An outstanding journalist is not by the number of years but by impact. Young people should also learn how to structure their life and have mission statement,” Otufodunrin added.
He further displayed pictures of his old mentees and ex-students who are performing well in the media industry- as an inspiration to the young journalists.
The founder of Rock FM, Taraba, Ayodele Samuel, during the interactive session advised young journalists to key to volunteering for media organizations as steps into the profession.
He said “young Journalists should get involved in volunteering and move extra mile in their internship field.”
A reporter with Vanguard, Elizabeth Osayande also advised young journalists to keep writing and engaging in other things. She added that young journalists should associate with a mentor to boost their career.
In the same vein, a Development Journalist, Funmi Falobi highlighted the need for young journalists to leverage the social media. She narrated how she got invitation resulting from some of the social media posts she wrote.
A reporter with Voice of Nigeria, Cynthia Okere expressed her gratitude for being a part of the fellowship as she explained the ups and downs of her media journey.
The fellowship commenced with an opening prayer by a freelance journalist, Adesola Ikulajolu after which Esther Olaifa of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ) led the worship session. The welcome address was delivered by the secretary of the fellowship, Dayo Emmanuel.
The fellowship was ended with an intercessory prayer session anchored by the Chaplain of the Journalists For Christ, Pastor David Alabi and book gifts were given to the participants.
