Vet Journalist, Lekan Otufodunrin celebrate Fifthieth Birthday with Cubs

There are different way of celebration, while some love it in fewer people [maybe family and few friends] having fun to the fullest, some love it in Larger numbers of people. So What Man 2 loves is surely too large, or straightly  put, 'Overcrowded' for the first Man.

Some would love to celebrate within there strata, while some would love it in mixed classes. 

The Editor, Online, The Nation Newspaper, Lekan Otufodunrin chooses to celebrate his fiftieth Birthday in a very Unique and Corporate way, He lined two workshops to make his Golden Jubilee on earth. One on Wednesday, 7th May, 2014, aim at upgrading young journalists in Lagos and [other South West States], Nigeria and the other which comes up on Friday 9th May, 2014, the D' Day.

At the first Workshop [targeted at young Journalists], tagged Basic Media Development Training, designed to awaken journalists and future practitioners to maximize their potentials in their day-to-day practice. Otufodunrin in conjugation with Laide Akanni of Journalist against AIDS, JAAIDS, break Journalism down, making the calling simpler for the young cubs.

In four Sections -with breaks for networking, responds, Questions and Answers- Otufodunrin made the young journalist not only realize WHAT is expected of them as Journalists but also WHY and HOW to go about it. He put more emphasis on Purpose Driven Journalism. How to fulfill their purpose in Journalism.

Sharing his personal encounters as journalist and also that of others who are either journalists or other professionals.

The Vet, painted a virtual picture of what the Portrait of a Journalist of Purpose should look like. He uses Ayo Arowolo, a former Managing Editor and CEO of Financial Standard. Otufodunrin shared the Arowolo's story of hardship as a journalist but "Despite the hard time, Arowolo had no doubt that journalism was is calling."  So, Otufodunrin impored the participants to be focus, steadfast and passionate about the job. He noted that Secret of Arowolo's success is his clear understanding of God's purpose for him in journalism.

Talking about What Purpose is, Lekan Otufodunrin called on the young journalists to the "importance to have a purpose in life to serve as a compass that guides our decision at every stage, expecially while deciding on a career." He called attention of the young journalist to why people failed or not succeed in the job, the noted that "many do not succeed in the profession because it's either God has not destined them to be one, or they do not understand why God has made them one."

The Vet refilled that the secret of being a journalist of purpose is to develop a passion and vision of how to make an impact in the profession. 


Giving case studies, encounters from journalists and non-journalists here in Nigeria and beyond. On Understanding God's Purpose, he advised the young journalists present at the Workshop that "whenever that situation they find themselves, whether the media organization is depressed or not, they need to seek God's direction instead of jumping any opportunity to change jobs." He added that "Even in the face of great deprivation, which is often the case most times with journalists, there's need to maintain trust in God.

And On Practical Ways Of Being a Journalist of Purpose, Otufodunrin noted that there are practical steps to be taken and not just wishes and procrastinating. So as not to end up like some journalists who dont have unique professional accomplishment they should do the following.

• Know what God really wants you to be in Journalism. There's reason to know which beat one can be excell. Some excellent sportswriters of today would not have made much progress in the profession if they had been reporting business.   

• Have a vision of what you want to accomplish. Sharing stories of Jim Johnson of African Challenge, Late Omololu Falobi of JAAIDS, Larry Izamoje, Otufodunfin advised the young journalists to have a clearly-stated mission statements that will clearly guide their professional career. In a dynamic profession like journalism, a journalist with a purpose cannot afford to be lazy and complacent, he noted

• Be determined to succeed, Otufodunrin stated that one sure way to be accomplished is to be very enthusiastic about the job. He advised his audiences not to allow any difficult editor or circumstance kill their dreams to get to the top of their career. He said " You don't need to become an editor to be an outstanding journalist. ...maximize your potentials and opportunities" 

• Be Hardworking
• Know when to move
• Maximize your potentials And lastly
• Maintain a high moral standard.

Lekan Otufodunrin expressed dissatisfaction on the fact that media organizations don't give periodic Career Development training to Journalist like they do in other professions. So he encourage the Cubs to acquired necessary media skills.

The Vet highlighted Trainings, Networking among others, as what they need to reach the pinnacle of journalism.He enjoined them to join Media Associations, Union, like NUJ, NIPR, NAWOJ, etc home and abroad.

The participating Journalist were at the end of the workshop networked and they all had fun!

NIGERIAN CIVIL SOCIETIES FORM COALITION FOR DEPOSED EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT MOHAMMED MORSI

It stated that what Egyptians are facing at the moment is similar to what Nigerians faced when the military government annulled Freest and Fairest Election Nigeria ever had- June 12, 1993, which was presume to be won by MKO Abiola.

NIGERIAN CIVIL SOCIETIES FORM COALITION FOR DEPOSED EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT MOHAMMED MORSI

Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Anywhere!

An Injury To One Is Injury To All!

Ohun Tons’Aboyade Gbogbo Oloya Lonse [An ailment that affects Aboyade, affects all {Oloya} his clan]

T

hese believe makes Civil Societies in Nigeria to call on all similar forces in other African Countries and the World at large to rise against injustice and related vices in Egypt.

The Civil Societies made the call at a World Press Conference and a Rally in Lagos, South West Nigeria (West Africa).

The Civil Societies like Forum for Sustainable Democracy In Africa, FOSDA; Committee for the Defense of Human Right, CDHR; Civil Liberty Organization,CLO; Center for Constitutionalism and Demilitarization; Muslim Rights Concern, MURIS; Anglican Communion, Ishonyin Parish, Coalition of Islamic Organization, CLO; Human and Environmental Developmental Agenda, HEDA; Human Right Education and Development Projects, HURIDEP; Women Against Oppression, Social Advocacy Project, Yoruba Citizens Action for Change, andMORE.

These societies come together as the Nigerian Civil Society Coalition Against Coups and Militarization of Politics in African, a pan-African Movement against any form of oppression and injustice in Africa.

The Coalition refers to the crisis in Egypt as clear violation of the rights of the Egyptians, Universal Declaration of Human right, UDHR; as well as the African Charter on Human and People’s Right, and other human right institutions to which Egypt is a signatory.

It condemns the declaration of State of emergence by the Military Juntas.

It as-well noted that the Military just murdered thirty six Egyptians in there custody, and an editor of one of the biggest Newspaper in the country, Al Ahram Newspaper, was shot dead at a road block.

The Movement also made it known that many media houses known to be sympathetic to disposed President Mohammed Morsi were also closed, just to brutally suppress public exercise of freedoms of expression, assembly and association.

It was noted that few hours to the Press Conference, Hosni Mubarak will walk home despite the atrocities committed has the head of the State.

The Civil Movement as-well noted that General Abdel Fattah Sisi and his disciples and supporters are giving democracy a geographical definition. “We believe democracy has no geographical, ethnic, or religious boundaries. Therefore, the atrocious and brutal murder of unarmed venerable and defenseless African citizen by the murderous army of General Sisi does not belong to the African of today, neither does it represent the promise of a continent determined to shake off the vestiges on negative and very corrupt past”.                                                                                                 

The coalition also noted that the Egyptians are suffering under the cabal that has embarked on vicious campaign to portray the victims as villains and terrorists using a well structured propaganda devices to win not only national but also regional and global sympathies.

It said rights of citizens and media players are being violated, apart from killing, arrest and detention, torture, cases of rape were also on its increase.

The coalition calls for immediate reinstatement of democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi to office and also demands immediate investigation and prosecution of injustice practices committed by the military. 

It urges the African Union, including other African movements and the ICC to restore democratic legitimacy in Egypt.

And lastly, the coalition calls on United States to defend democratic principles by cutting-off military aid to Egypt and the Nigerian Government to articulate its condemnation of military intervention in Egypt and also take necessary diplomatic step in this regard.

A Representative of Coalition of Islamic Organization, AbdRamon Adangba said the crisis in Egypt is so complex because there were no civil societies in place.

Adangba, who studied in Egypt, noted that Egyptian had for about 60 years lived under a non recognized dictator. He added that average Egyptian never believe there is a country that is as good as Egypt.

He added that the situation in Egypt is getting to the heighten stage and something needs to be done before it rotten into a war.

Adangba noted that the Muslim Brotherhood would liberate Egypt.

Another Representative of another civil society, Civil Liberty Society, Comrade Ibuchukwu Ezike stated that the essence of the conference is to alert the world on the gross human right violation going on in Egypt.

He noted that most of the civil societies that now come together as a coalition registered their protest during several form of inhuman activities, not only in Nigeria but also other part of Africa, including the crises in Libya and Tunisia.  With one voice, we may be crushed but with many voices, we may be heard more than we may be heard more than we can hear one voice.

Representing Anglican Communion, Ishonyi Parish, Reverend S. A. Adelakun stated that the crisis in Egypt should not be liked to religion but simply irregularity, unlawful and inhuman. He noted that Christians were among the protesters who lost their lives.

It should be noted that the coalition, after the World Press Conference, rally to the Lagos State House of Assembly to register there petition to the legislatures.

Public Relations and Society

Public Relations as been defined as an art and social science of analyzing trends, predicting consequences, counselling organisation leaders and implementing planned programme of action which will serve both the organisation {and or individual{s}} and its {his/her/ their} publics.

Public Relations is d deliberate, planned and sustainable effort to establish and maintain mutual understanding between an organisation {or individual} and {his/her} publics. -BIPR

PR is about reputation- {the result of what you do, what you say and what others say about you}. It’s the discipline which looks after reputation, with the aim of earning understanding and support and influencing opinion and behaviour. It is the planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain goodwill and mutual understanding between an organisation {or individual} and it’s {his/her} publics.

SOCIETY on its side, is simply every kind and degree of relationship entered into by men, whether these relationship s are organized or unorganized, direct or indirect, conscious or unconscious, co-operative or antagonistic- Chinoy [1967]

Therefore, there should be a synergy between Public relations and Society.

Organisation and Publics are key elements in the definition and also practice of Public Relations. Organization is a group of people i.e. government, business, professional, cultural, educational. Publics are audience that are important to an organisation- customers, employees, media, Government e.t.c.

Therefore, a Public relations expert should be able to study and understand ‘society’, as the knowledge would help in building a mutual understanding- which i the bedrock of PR.

Public Relations is a combination of Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Economics, language Journalism, communication and other knowledge into a system of human understanding. –Herbert M. Baus.

Psychology is the physical and scientific study of human and animal behaviours in their natural conditions which can be used to improve their living and regeneration.

In the cause of doing his/her job, PR Expert is should understand attitude, how people behave and react or response to some phenomenon. The main objective of PR is to transfer {change} four negative attitude to four positive ones. This is what Frank Jefkins called PR transfer Process.

Hostility --→ Sympathy Apathy--→ Interest Prejudice --→ Acceptance Ignorance--→ Knowledge

The study of Social Psychology would assist PR experts to understand people {individuals and org.} their attitudes, behaviours, motivation, relationship and the society at large.

Communication is also an important element. It could be the cause of crisis – a communication gap between school authority and the students could cause a riot in school. ... wars between nations are caused by cultural misunderstanding that could be alleviated trough international political communication’ – Aubrey, a political Scientist. Some scholars hold the belief that better communication is a panacea for crisis.

Though, Burgoon, et al {1994} made it clear that people can use communication either to become demagogues, to incite riots, and to initiate wars. They can also use it as a tool to serve humanity or to grow and develop as individual.

So, communication is a crux in PR, a PR expert should be able to use communication tools perfectly and this is the journalism aspect of PR. PR experts, as the linking bridge between its organisation and their publics. According to Charles Corley –“communication is the mechanism trough which human relationships exist and develop”. PR experts should not handle communication with levity. When one study communication, he is studying people in relation with one another, their groups, organisations and society, influencing each other and being influenced, informing and being informed, teaching and being taught... Schramm and Roberts {1992}

Communication {as defined by Daramola I, 2003} “as the use and interpretation of symbols, information and idea by a person or several other persons, by speaking or trough other means such as songs, gestures, e.t.c. In a nut shell, PR experts should be blessed with the ability to manage information and communication than any other person. He/She should be able to use all forms of communication. PR experts should be an orator and as well a good writer.

PR is a profession that brings few other {i.e. Psychology, Sociology, Journalism, e.t.c.} together in other to create a favourable environment for his organization and clients. So a PR expert would do the job of a journalist, psychologist, advertiser e.t.c. just to make sure he made his organisation/ clients an household brand

MACSA Manifestoes, students react

MACSA Manifestoes, students react – OLOGUNDUDU Olatunde

Mass Communication Students of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu react to the Manifestoes organised by the Mass Communication Students Association for candidates aspiring for the Executive Posts of the Association come 2011/12 academic session on September 5, 2011.

Ojikutu Olushola Gabriel asked Electoral Committee headed by Kadiku Idris why there is just one candidate aspiring for the post of the president before the respond of the Electoral chairman, other students stimulated that Shola has just spoken there minds. Kadiku explain that every eligible students were given equal right but since just one candidate obtain the form, it’s unopposed. Kadiku added that after the expiration of the application another week was added to encourage others but no one else requested for the form.

Another student, Afariogun Damilola express unsatisfactory as the candidates were not given enough time to do the presentation and also deprived the electorate to know how competent are the candidates. Afariogun added that it was a surprise that the Student union Government of the institution had an election without manifesto just view days ago.

While some candidates were applauded others were not but the election would determined the winner not there manifesto said a student who pleaded anonymity.

Lagos Peoples’ Democratic Party!?

I really appreciate the majority of the Executive Officers are Yoruba, so pardon my use of Yoruba adages/ wise sayings. Once bitten twice shy, Yoruba belief that once you’ve been defeated by the same person thrice then there’s no mistake in it. But those that mean that Lagos PDP cant defeat the Lagos chapter of Action Congress of Nigeria [ACN]?

I would like to call your attention to something, we, PDP always had elections in crisis, this intra-party crisis and conflicts are the first and major cause of our failures. Our party primaries are another problem. PDP fails to conduct a free, fair, and credible and error and crisis free primaries: election that would produce a credible candidate, primaries elections that brings other aspirants together for general elections.

It should as well be noted that Lagos PDP lacks Publicity, this is information age. Publicity of Lagos [Centre of Excellence] State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party [Largest Party in West Africa] should be held by a professional or even a team of PR men. There’s need to make the Party heard, seen and always be feel by non-members {prospectus members} and members alike. Our humble party should be able to create and maintain full multimedia web site, which would provide first hand information for all Nigerian irrespective of the parties. It can’t cause Lagos PDP a fortune to have an informative, educative and entertaining web site. The Publicity Director/Secretary in person or his/her office can be the web manager with support from the secretary and other executive officers. There should also be an enlighten programme for the principal officers in Local Governments and even the ward. I agreed with you that LG should take care of there wards but you would agree that ‘I can’t give what I don’t have’. I understand this cost money but definitely not a fortune. Besides web site, blogs and social networking sites {facebook, twitter, linkedin etc} are also cheaper media.

Being desperate to win Lagos is not a year thing. I mean, to win Lagos in Twenty Fifteen, it states now. Bringing members, at least the Local Government and their ward EXCOs would make a difference. I mean, the defeat is too poor of us. Even, if we loose Governorship election, we would win two senates and get about 45% house members. This would give us 75% assurance of winning in 2019.

My few inquiries show that the new Publicity Man is an able man for the job. Though, I never conduct any personal inquiries as at this moment but I ‘m counting on what I heard. But, I employ him to work with professionals. Research should be conducted and also finance research and report at Local Governments in the state.

The ward chairmen also marginalize other Executive officers of the ward including the Secretary. I think, the secretary, among others should be empower with the Party Constitutions which would make them know their dos and don’ts, the power the chairman has over them and how they can check him if is being too dictatorship.

There’s no way we’ll talk politics, elections without ‘godfatherism’ but they should be more diplomatic with it. Can you imagine what political campaigns cost? So, if godfathers - masked in party- have candidates other aspirants could easily be informed about there intentions in a matured manner and dialogue on the rest of the appointments. This would prevent them spending there money and time over settled issues. I need not to mention names but we need to move forward. There’s no time to point accusing fingers on anyone.

This is strictly my opinion other could as well be welcome from other members in Local Governments and ward level. Doing this you could be able to know what the LGs are hidden from the state level of our humble party. In a nut shell, foster a two-way communication from Ward EXCOs, make your e-mail address, facebook[if any], bloggs etc. pls. not your phone number, until person relationship has not been established trough the over mentioned media.

My informativePUBLICITY, how inform are you? Like I said earlier, you need more information from the headquarters of the party, because, you can give what you don’t have.

I would love to here from you very soon, trough any medium you found most convenient.

Olatunde A.

Tunde_pepper@yahoo.com

08027756544

Unlawful Neglect of ‘Zebra Crossing’ crossing, Laspotians react

Unlawful Neglect of ‘Zebra Crossing’ crossing, Laspotians react

Students of Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu react to neglect of ‘Zebra crossing’ at the Entrance of the campus. Motorists are expected to stop for pedestrians at the Zebra Crossing but it seems the road sign is not serving its objectives.

An agric student, Omowunmi Fahm, confirmed it that even police who claim to ‘Protect with Integrity’ would run over the road sign no matter number of students found waiting. The worst part of the story is that school buses and staffs including the Principal Officers also break this traffic rule, Omowunmi concluded.

Aminat Elebute, a computer science student made it known that LASTMA who take the duty of enforcing traffic rules also break it.

Talking to a LASTMA officer, Adeosun O. who made it known that motorist couldn’t be apprehend for not stoping.

“Pedestrians have more right on the Zebra crossing” say LASTMA officer. -OLOGUNDUDU Olatunde A. {094071250}

While motorist refused to stop for pedestrians along Shagamu Road, Ikorodu who are mainly students of Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, LASTMA officer who pleaded anonymity made our correspondence known that pedestrians have more right on the line than the motorists.

“On no condition should motorist move any closer to the first line, pedestrians are not expected to wait for vehicles rather motorist should wait for pedestrians, rather wait at a brief distance to it”, added the officer.

However, he advise pedestrians to move very close to the tip of the lines as this tells motorists that he or she want to cross. He also made it clear that the agency, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority may not apprehend any motorist who refused to stop but rather stop them as to give pedestrians crossing opportunity.

He concluded that motorist should not stop on the Zebra Crossing even in traffic congestion, as this attract big fine.

Zebra crossing is probably the most neglect traffic sign in, especially in the suburbs of Lagos, say Fadeke Lawal. The LASTMAN

2011 General Election! Lagos State in View.

While INEC never flag off Political campaigns, Parties and candidates are engaging in different campaign activities {i.e. what is regarded as House-2-House campaign, Posting of Posters (Bill), Banners and other souvenirs} are on. There are as well several Counter-Campaign activities by party members against the imposed candidates.

Seeing a bill “Vote Mr. A for a seat” before walking an hundred meters, there‘ll be a counter campaign bill with [the same] “Mr. A is not our candidate” by suggested member of the same Political Party.

Now, I’m happy that my people are waking up. At least reacting to what they see as being wrong. It could be an Infringement. As the Genius is being intoxicated buy power.

But, I guess the best is yet to come. The stage of posting a counter-Campaign is not enough but they should all come out en masse to vote against the imposed candidates. As they’ve applied a “PRmatic” approach, protested but the intoxicatedBAT and the coward leaders are not afraid. They see the protesters as just posting a mere threat. Well, the leaders could be right but the protesters gat what is called Plutonium Power!

I guess they‘ll never end up voting for these imposedCandidates, all in the name of voting for there Party. If they do, then the IntoxicatedBAT and his men are right. I cant imagine what the IntoxicatedBAT expects from these people. Will the ACN members in Lagos Island II vote for Hon. Wale Alawiye-King? Will ACN in Ebutte-Metta vote for MostDormantHon. Monsuru Batola.? Well, may be it’s because he’s a genius, he believe everything is within realm of possibility. Or it’s because of the weapon, a panacea to the problem of the greedy ones. As he’s describes by many, “…he gats prices for everyone.” After using PR to the fullest, I guess he’s dropping it for Propaganda. His product/service or simply idea had hit the maximum level and it’s declining. I think the Law of diminishing returns, which is only applicable in Economics and not in PR. Anyway, he’s never a PR man but an accountant.

Instead, let’s make it a DemocraticRevolution. All the available resources should be implored to the maximum length. Do you know that, all social networking {facebook, twitter, flkr, blogspot etc} sites could be used.

Meaning the youths gat more to do. Are you among those people who disenfranchised themselves? Yaeh! If you choose not to vote then you’ve disenfranchise your humble self.

U gat ur Plutonium Power! 1thumb The Power to effect changes. Let’s Go.