Editor Blueprint Newspapers (Daily) Abdulrahman A. Abdulrauf has urged trainee journalists to be conscious of their integrity if they are to make a fulfilling career out of journalism.
He also said journalism is one profession that prides itself in the service of humanity, stressing that anyone desirous of quick material wellbeing should look outside the wall of the pen profession.
The editor spoke Thursday when he led some senior editorial staff to receive the 300-Level mass communication students of Nile University Abuja, on an excursion to headquarters of the newspapers, Maitama, Abuja.
The visit was aimed at giving the students an insight into the working of the newspaper industry, having had series of lectures in the class.
Led by the Head of Department, Professor Osman Koroglu, the visit was coordinated by Dr. Ridwan Adeyemi.
Also on the team were Dr Murtadha Ahmad and Mr Abdulteef Muhammad, both lecturers in the department.
Joining the editor to receive the students were the editor, his counterpart on the weekend desk, Adoyi M. Aba, Online Editor Ikenna Okonkwo, Assistant Editor (State House) Abdullahi M. Gulloma, Tope Sunday and Benjamin Samson, both senior correspondents and head photography, Ayuba Raji.
They all took the students through the processes and various stages of newspaper production, news values and revenue generation for the company among several others.
Specifically, the online editor educated the trainee journalists on the 21st century online newspapering, describing it as the new order and how such also generates revenue for the company.
Welcoming the students on behalf of the management, the daily editor commended the university for its choice of Blueprint for the field experience.
He said like other professions, the industry was also facing its own challenges, adding however that would not be enough to make serious professionals opt out.
“I must tell you in very clear terms that journalism is one profession that comes across as one that prides itself and always puts itself at the service of humanity. The spirit of selflessness is a major quality a journalist should be ready to imbibe if such journalist is to be successful in the chosen career path.
“The society looks up to you as a journalist in the realization of certain task that seems beyond the people. You are there for the people just as you are for the leaders. In between these two, you have a responsibility to be fair and just and that’s why we are being referred to as the watchdogs of the society. So in doing this, you must not compromise your integrity, always stand for the truth and nothing else. Though it may come at a price, but certainly the society will be the better for it, hence our motto For Truth and Justice.
“If you are the type that is in a hurry to make it through some unethical conducts, then I advise you to look out for anther career path. No doubt, journalism, if well practiced, will always open the doors of opportunities for you. But again, I must be quick to add that such privilege must not be abused,” Abdulrauf said.
Also addressing the students, head of production, Abdullahi Danjuma, took them through the process of page planning using the Adobe In design software that allows for easy arrangement of stories and other content.
Responding, coordinator of the visit, Dr. Adeyemi, expressed the institution’s appreciation to the newspaper outfit for receiving their team.
He also said the department looked forward to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which it had already forwarded to the company for a partnership of mutual benefits.
Highlight of the session was the question and answer session during which the students sought to know the operation and funding of a newspaper business.
