President, NGE, Eze Anaba (middle) with Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, Chairman of the Guild Research, Training and Publications Committee (4th right); Dr. Tony Onyima (2nd right); Ms. Angela Agoawike (4th left); Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren (left); Dr. Kabir Alabi Garba (2nd left); Mr. Onuoha Ukeh (3rd left); Ms. Rose Moses (3rd right) and Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo (right) at the inauguration of the committee in Lagos…recently.
By Dianabasi Effiong
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has inaugurated its Research, Training, and Publications Committee as part of efforts to keep members informed on emerging issues, enhance professional skills, and promote journalism scholarship through book publications and research.
The committee, chaired by Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Paul University, Awka, comprises seasoned journalists and media professionals drawn from media management, academia, and publishing.
Other members of the committee are Dr. Tony Onyima, Fellow of the Guild and former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun; Ms. Angela Agoawike, Fellow of the Guild and Founder/CEO of Omalicha FM, Owerri; Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Senior Editor/Member of Editorial Board, THISDAY; and Dr. Kabir Alabi Garba, Weekend Editor, The Guardian.
Speaking at the inauguration, the President of the NGE, Eze Anaba, said the Guild, which regarded the committee’s assignment seriously, carefully constituted it to reflect a healthy blend of academic scholarship and industry experience.
He stressed the need to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice in Nigeria’s media industry.
According to him, the committee’s work is expected to strengthen journalism practice and help address the disconnect that often exists between journalism education and the realities of newsroom operations.
Anaba said, “The membership of the committee was carefully selected to reflect this aspiration of bridging the gap between the town and gown.
“I have no doubt that members will deploy their collective expertise to advance the Guild’s intellectual and professional mandate.”
The NGE president added that the Research, Training, and Publications Committee was constituted to promote knowledge, skills, and best practices in journalism and media through research, training, and publications.
Anaba, who outlined the committee’s terms of reference, said the body would conduct and support research on issues relevant to journalism and media practice, including studies on readership, viewership, and listenership trends.
According to him, the committee will also develop and deliver training programmes to enhance the skills and knowledge of journalists and media professionals.
“The committee will also publish materials, including books, journals, and online content, that promote excellence, innovation, and best practices in journalism, to strengthen the professionalism of Guild members,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its chairman and Fellow of the Guild, Prof. Okunna, described the initiative as timely and significant.
“With the calibre and experience of members of this committee, I am confident that we will add considerable value to the Guild and the wider media industry,” she said.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Editors’ House, Ikeja, Lagos, was attended by the Guild’s General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh; Assistant General Secretary, Gabriel Akinadewo; and Rose Moses, a member of the Guild’s Standing Committee representing the West.
The committee will serve a two-year term.
