World Press Freedom Day 2023, AFYMP marks the day with students of journalism

It is World Press freedom Day 2023 today. Africa Foundation for Young Media Professional believes the best way to use the day is nothing short of preparing the next generation of journalists, broadcasters represented by final year students of mass communication, Lagos State Polytechnic now Lagos State University of Science of Technology for the future they face in the media market. 

Even though the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights” AFYMP sees a correlation between this and its action of empowering these final year students through a planned workshop tagged “Dynamics in the media markets and how to position for opportunity”.

The programme began with AFYMP’s team courtesy visit to the head of department (Dr Zannu) and other senior staff of the school’s Mass communication department.  The workshop session which was held at Kakawa Hall within the school kicked off with the HOD’s welcome address where he expressed his gratitude to Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals’ team vision of changing media narrative across Africa through capacity development for the next generation/early career media professionals.

AFYMP courtesy visit to Dr Zannu, HOD, Mass Communications, LASUSTECH

In his words Dr Zannu said “Gown meet Town” meetings like this have become essential if the academic community as well as the students must meet global demands and challenges that face different industries today”.

Yinka Olaito, The Executive Director AFYMP while delivering the lecture charged the students to prepare ahead as they begin to make their final exit out of school into the media labour market. Yinka advised `There is no one who has a perfect prediction of what the industry will look like tomorrow, so learning, unlearning and relearning will become the trademark of anyone who wants to excel in the industry”.

In addition, “the changes in basic skills new entrants bring into the market today cannot be under emphasised, media industry newcomers must ensure they are armed with all these essential skills and more” Yinka Olaito also advised.

Yinka Olaito“Even though the internet offers opportunities to everyone, it does not guarantee success or failure, each new entrant decides which way to go” Yinka Olaito maintained. “Monitoring trends, building required skills, establishing a strong brand among others have become a necessity each new entrant into the media market must master,” Yinka Concluded among other issues he raised.

While closing the meeting, Mrs Bridget, a Print media lecturer at the department charged the students to start running with the knowledge instilled. “You cannot afford not to run now; the stage is set but only the smart will shine ” Mrs Bridget advised the participants. She also encouraged a more cordial relationship between AFYMP and the department.

Cross section of Participants, Final Year Mass Communications Students

The event was attended by about 120 final years of the department. Participants ‘profile include 74 females and 46 males. A pre and post survey feedback showed over 70% of the participants gained an enhanced knowledge about the media industry and saw the new information shared as highly valuable. A higher percentage also affirmed their confidence level has been improved.

While doing the vote of thanks, Nurudeen Adebayo, the President of Mass Communications Students Association thanked the management of AFYMP for the good work it has been doing. Murudeen concluded “I do hope the relationship established will continue to grow, too”.