2017 UCJ UNILORIN ANNUAL PUBLIC LECTURE: A REPORT

Finally, the long awaited 2017 annual Press Week by the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), University of Ilorin chapter, commenced yesterday 30th May, 2017 at the Social Science Lecture Theatre (SSLT), Unilorin.

This week-long program will run from Tuesday 30th May, to Friday 2nd June, 2017; with each day loaded with educating, motivating and encouraging events specially packaged not only for UCJ members, but also for all students of the University of Ilorin.

The theme of this year's public lecture is, 'Socio-journalism: the future of journalism.'

Among the dignitaries present were; Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji—Director, Center for Peace and Strategic Studies, Dr. Mrs Abdulbaqi—HoD of the department of Mass Communication (Unilorin), Dr Azeez Lukman—Sub Dean, Faculty of Communication and Information Science (Unilorin), and Mr. Abdulkareem Abiodun—Chairman, National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara state chapter.

Others include; the immediate past President of UCJ UNILORIN—Alfa Fineboy, current UCJ President—Mr. Basheer Muhammad Ishola, members of the Press Council, and a host of others.

The event proper started with Miss Aisha Shittu delivering the Press Prayer, followed by the singing of the school anthem, and the welcome address by the UCJ President.

Dr. Mrs. Abdulbaqi spoke immensely on the topic, 'Socio-journalism: the future of journalism. She stressed on the difference between citizen journalism and socio-journalism citing examples of socio-journalism platforms like The Medium etc.

According to her, socio-journalism has some characteristics which makes it outstanding and preferable to citizen journalism in the sense that it goes through the process of screening, publishers reside in cyber space coupled with the fact that it is professionally edited. Reverse is the case for the latter.

As regards the functions of journalists, she quoted Harold Lasswel to the effect that journalists engage in surveillance of the environment, serve as watchdogs, and protect part of society's heritage for transition to generations.

Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji expatiated on the topic by making reference to two books: 'Future Shock' by Alvin Toffler, and 'Lost in the Himalayas' by James Scott. Making allusion to the former, he stated that 'in order to avoid future shock you must have multiple competencies.' He further stated that society has evolved from a stage of superstition to industrial revolution to science and to the period of information.

He therefore urged the audience to strive for journalism no matter their course giving instance of Wale Adediran, the former president of authors in Nigeria, who is a doctor.

In his words, 'competition these days is very stiff, for you to stand out, you must be outstanding.'
He ended his remark saying, 'if you don't have a strategy, you are part of somebody else's strategy.'

The NUJ Chairman, Kwara state chapter, Mr. Abdul Kareem Abiodun also had some words of admonishment for members of UCJ UNILORIN. He commended, and advised UCJ members to continue with what they do even though it's on a selfless basis. He urged members to go into journalism with a sense of patriotism, passion and humanity, not for money.

The questions asked during the interactive session were effectively answered by Dr. L.A. Azeez and other members on high table.

There were hints from the guests as to how students can become  professional journalists. The august event ended with a group photograph of the guests and members of UCJ, UNILORIN.

Iwayemi Zainab
UCJ, UNILORIN.