Don't Restrict Journalism Practice To Press Releases Only, Adejumo Tells Young Media Practitioners

Kabir Adejumo(left) with the YOMPON National President, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji

ABEOKUTA - Award-winning Investigative journalist, Kabir Adejumo has charged young media practitioners in Nigeria to focus more on investigative journalism rather than relying on press releases.

Adejumo spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital on Thursday at a day workshop organized by Young Media Practitioners of Nigeria (YOMPON), Ogun State chapter.

He advised journalists not to limit themselves to specialized beats but endeavour to be all encompassing in every sector of the economy.

He said in order to improve the standard of media practice, journalists should look beyond instant financial gains, imbibe a spirit of hard work as well as focus more on investigative journalism.

Speaking on the theme: "21st Century Journalism: How to Survive without Envelope", Adejumo submitted that young journalists can calf niche for themselves more in investigative journalism, saying there are organizations both local and foreign who are ready to support.

"Brown envelope journalism is a journalistic activity which involves the transfer of various types of rewards from sources to a reporter.

"This is because journalists are poorly remunerated in Nigeria. That is why I don't abuse policemen for collecting bribes if you don't pay reporters' salaries, because they're underpaid.

"Brown envelope journalism is not something journalists can tackle alone, until the newspaper publishers and editors apply the economic model in running a newspaper.

"The problem we have as journalists is that we place premium value on material and societal value. 

"Newsrooms must learn how to pay their reporters well. Any publisher without paying is doing more harm than good to the profession. I will just advise journalists to be passionate and morally upright, do journalism beyond press releases. Don't limit yourself to specialized reporting."

Speaking on the rationale behind the workshop, the National President of YOMPON, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, and Ogun State Chairman, Saheed Adeola in their separate remarks, said it was to increase the capacity of their members as well as explore ways they can survive without compromising their moral standards. 

Ogunsiji maintained that, the workshop is part of activities to improve the knowledge base of his members in conformity with international best practices.

He added that the workshop would further improve journalists horizons on fact-checking initiatives and to downplay fake news in the society.