Deputy Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Dr. Dele Omojuyigbe has revealed that his latest book is the most difficult he has written.
Dr. Omojuyigbe made this known during his 9th book presentation titled ‘NIJ’s Inside Story…from my lenses…The Beaut, the bend’ on Wednesday.
The book, reviewed by the institution’s alumnus, Dr. (Mrs) Khadijat Adedeji-Olona was launched in the school auditorium, situated in Ogba.
His words: “NIJ has a rich history, hence the reason for the documentation because there is need for people to know about it. I can say that NIJ is moving forward and it is evident in Chapter 14 of the book where at least 21 history making journalists were mentioned.
“This is my 9th book, it is the most difficult for me to write. In terms of ideas, I was stuck because you are talking history, you are dealing with strengths, humans.”
Meanwhile, the communication expert expressed concerns about the rising production costs and called on the government to implement measures that would support and motivate authors.
He further disclosed that Nigerians do not give sufficient attention to the alternative option (digital domain) when it comes to reading, underscoring the need to maintain hard copies.
“As long as countries are still printing their currencies, hard copy will never go into extinction. I am yet to see a country that print e-currency. Naira, Yen, Dollars are printed.”
While extending gratitude to everyone that supported the cause, he admitted that change is inevitable.
In the same vein, Provost of NIJ, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye felicitated his deputy for the tremendous efforts put into bringing the book to fruition.
“The first Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Muyiwa Adetiba was produced by NIJ,” he stated reiterating the role of the school in Nigeria’s media industry.
The former Editor-in-Chief and General Manager of Vanguard Newspaper advised the students to purchase the book and ‘digest it’ completely.
President of NIJ Alumni Association, Dr. Sanya Awosan also had his say on the book.
He said: “Dr. Omojuyigbe is an objective writer and a great individual. I have known him for years, since our undergraduate days.”
Dr. Awosan, who doubles as member of NIJ Governing Council explained that books are made available for reading – and charged the students to get themselves a copy in order to improve their knowledge about the school they attend.
He also mentioned that he believes so much in NIJ, adding that the monotechnic has better pedigree than most tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
In her remarks, the book reviewer, Dr. Khadijat Adedeji-Olona said: “The book will help to know the history of the school. Another advantage is people will be going on internships and work in media houses, you will get to meet some of the Alumni in the book and it will be easier to network with them.”
She expressed her commitment to upholding the school’s legacy of excellence and urged the students to emulate her and acquire the book as well.
NIJ Registrar, Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo; Head of Department, Mass Communication at NIJ, Mr. Mike Osuji; and Associate Lecturer at NIJ & Executive Director, Media Career Development Network, Mr. Lekan Otunfodunrin; were among the notable individuals present at the book launch.
Others are Director of Special Programmes, NIJ, and anchor of the unveiling, Dr. Jide Johnson; Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the school & Co-anchor, Mr. Tolulope Ojemuyiwa; Associate Lecturer, NIJ, Mr. Abiodun Olugbenga Osinuga; Lecturers at NIJ; Mr. Amaso Jack, Mr. Cami Ezenwa, Mrs. Odum Uruoma and a legion of others, including non-teaching staff.
