Ace Broadcaster, Babatunde Tiamiyu Tasks Journalists on Sustainable Innovations for Future Survival
Ibadan based ace multi talented broadcaster, Dr Babatunde Tiamiyu has advised journalists to undertake innovative skills that would sustain them in future.
Dr Tiamiyu who’s the General Manager, pensioner FM, Ibadan, gave the advice while delivering the second edition of Tunde Oluwanike Annual Memorial Lecture, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Chapel.
Dr. Tiamiyu who spoke on the theme: “Journalists: Working Today, Living Tomorrow” explained that journalists daily strive to gather news contents to inform and educate the public at the detriment of their safety, health and family.
The Nigerian journalist finds himself at sixes and sevens, upholding the ethics of the profession in a media house with certain sentimental or political leanings? But what is professionalism if you cannot afford to put food on the table for your family? Is the question on the lips of several journalists. For media organizations that stand for journalistic independence, truthfulness, accuracy, impartiality, fairness and objectivity; sustainability has always been a major challenge, except such media outlets ride on the wings of well-established organizations and international agencies; but at what costs to the life of the reporter, who rarely has time to celebrate his birthday?”
He admonished them not to allow the immediate demands of the profession deprive them of their future survival but rather learn skills that will make then a sought after their active service in the pen pushing profession.
It is imperative for all journalists to carry out their duties as expected, not only for immediate gains, but for the future that dawns on us sooner than expected. Government and non-government organizations should work harmoniously with the fourth estate of the realm to foster social, economic, cultural and political development of the society, and to ensure a secure tomorrow for journalists, who sweat on a daily basis to perform their duties to humanity.”
While highlighting challenges facing men of the pen profession to include, harassment by security agents, fake news, economic hardship, poor remuneration and non-insurance coverage, Dr. Tiamiyu, enjoined them to be more innovative and plan for their future so as to be self-reliant in their retirement.
“From harassment and assault to remuneration, insurance, fake news, political interference and other issues, these challenges beg the question of what happens to the lives of those, who take the bullets for the masses to get access to the news, since”
The freedom of the press is under threat in many countries. Journalists are often targeted, harassed, or imprisoned for exposing the truth. Censorship, whether imposed by governments or powerful interest groups, undermines the very essence of journalism. In such environments, journalists must be resilient and resourceful, finding ways to report the truth even in the face of oppression”
He noted that journalists were first rough draftsmen of history, Dr Tiamiyu admonished newsmen to shun acts that could dent their image and erase their impacts in the nearest future
The stories that journalists tell become part of the collective memory. They influence how societies remember events, movements, and figures. For instance, how the media reports on a significant event—whether it’s a natural disaster, a political election, or a social movement—can shape how that event is remembered for decades to come. Journalists must be conscious of their role in constructing this public memory.”
“As journalists, we are working today, but we are also living tomorrow, through the legacy we leave behind. Let us ensure that this legacy is one of truth, courage, and unwavering commitment to the public good.”
The Zonal Director, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr. Dominic Mokikan, who said the late Tunde Oluwanike lived a good life, hence his memorial, admonished the gathering to play active role in rendering sustainable services filed with positive impacts
In an address of welcome, Chairman, NUJ FRCN Ibadan Chapel, Comrade Oluwakayode Banjo who said the memorial lecture was instituted in honour of the former chairman of the chapel, Tunde Oluwanike who died in a ghastly motor accident 0n 3rd August, 2013, while in the pursuits of welfare for members.
A friend to the deceased and Former Chairman NUJ, Oyo State Council who’s also the Deputy Director, News and Current Affairs in Radio Nigeria Ibadan Mr. Adewumi Faniran, in a tribute, hailed the late Tunde Oluwanike for his exemplary role in putting smile on the faces of colleagues and everyone who came in contact with him in his lifetime.
When Tunde Supports you, Tunde will never look back, a generous personality, generous to a fault, he can even forget he’s spending his salary on people”
The lecture was attended by the widow of the deceased , Mrs Omolara Oluwanike, friends of the deceased and the delegation from NUJ, Oyo State Council.
