Former Minster of Youths and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung has applauded the brains behind the 2020 Abuja Free Journalism Training that was held last Wednesday in Abuja.
The human capacity building g training was sponsored by the Federal Capital Territory Football Associatiin (FCT FA) and put together by the Publisher, BSN Sports, Niyi Busari to allow beginners get a pathway to a successful career and also learnt from experienced resource persons who trained journalists in the one-day workshop.
Dalung during the opening speech declared the event opened, thanked the organisers, and urged media to retrace its step and be passionate about the profession and also be the watchdog of the society.
“I want to sincerely thank the organizers for extending an olive branch to me. This is the gathering of great minds in the pen profession. The pen is mightier than the soul. Journalism is a very critical area in our society. In the traditional system of the pre colonial era, people deciminicated information.
He pointed out that journalism played a great role in shaping the most populous African country.
“Journalism plays a great role in shaping Nigeria. Our democracy would have remained an unattainable one without the Media. Many have lost their lives in the struggle, some have been imprisoned.
“I have a lot of respect for this profession. I was thinking of joining journalism when I left office.
Dalung urged journalists to be professional when carrying out their legal duty.
“Journalism is a noble profession but the proceeds of training has been long lost in the job. They look for quick means and try to get rich easily. You see some people who don’t have the passion but want faster means to be well known.
Dalung said media inability to carry out their duty professionally has affect the nation’s growth.
“The challenges in journalism has affected development and other aspects. In the past the Media dictated the pace of things. Today, we can afford to misbehave as political leaders and go Scot free. The Military was afraid of media and some acidic headline that was in place then.
“The watchdog has gone to sleep. Who will watch over the city.
He stated why the journalism training is very important and timely.
“This is why the Journalism Workshop is very important.
“I want to challenge my friends to have self reflection and self assessment to sanitize this profession.”
