By: Gafar Alabi 

A call has gone to media practitioners in the country to uphold journalistic ethics, invest in digital skills, and embrace solution-oriented data reporting to remain relevant in the fast-evolving media landscape.

The charge was given during a two-day media training and retreat organized by IHS Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun Correspondents’ Chapel, held at AA Entertainment and Tourism Hotel, Kuto, Abeokuta. The event brought together over 100 journalists from various media chapels across Ogun State.

Delivering a lecture titled “Journalism in the Past, Present and Future,” the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Dele Odunlami, represented by Dr. Jamiu Folarin of the Mass Communication Department, Crescent University, Abeokuta, urged journalists to adapt to emerging trends in the profession by integrating technology, ethics, and data-driven storytelling into their practice.

Prof. Odunlami noted that while journalists have a duty to report negative developments, they must also highlight constructive efforts that address societal problems.

“Journalists are not the architects of social problems, but they must go beyond reporting the issues to spotlighting those offering indigenous solutions. Solution journalism requires rigorous investigation and thoughtful response to social challenges,” he said.

He advised media practitioners to update journalism curricula, collaborate with industry stakeholders, emphasize indigenous contexts, and involve students in emerging media practices.

The scholar further urged the press to promote independent media ownership, invest in journalists’ safety, support sustainable business models, and encourage language diversity in reporting.

Also speaking, the Olu of Orile-Ilawo and Patron of Journalists, Oba (Prof.) Alexander MacGregor, described journalism as “a journey, not a destination,” encouraging journalists to remain courageous in speaking truth to power.

He lamented the growing “intellectual laziness” among Nigerians, noting that the neglect of history has contributed to the country’s challenges. The monarch charged journalists to keep documenting and sharing national experiences for posterity.

In his welcome address, the Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Rasaq Ayinla Esq, who also served as the training facilitator, appreciated IHS Nigeria Limited for sponsoring the programme. He assured that the capacity-building initiative would henceforth hold quarterly to continually equip journalists with modern skills.