By Barnabas Esiet.
The Dean , School of Eloquence, Dr. Ubong Essien has asked journalists to enhance their reportage for the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy and take advantage of the economic benefits inherent in the sector.
He made the call at a one day training workshop put together by media practitioners under the auspices – Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) on Friday in Ikoyi Lagos.
Dr Essien , a former Special Adviser to the immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Bashir Jamoh , called on the media practitioners to create wealth for themselves through effective and quality reportage about the Marine and Blue Economy , stressing that the sector has been under-reported by journalists.
Speaking further on the multiple advantages on the sector, the media mogul reiterated that the maritime industry is not limited to the ocean or ships, adding that the blue economy is vast to the extent journalist can choose their areas of focus to specialize and get the desired relevancy to create wealth.
While commending AMJON for seeking to increase the skillset of journalists, the Dean stressed that the school is open for partnership in the area of capacity building for members.
He highlighted that journalist must equip themselves with modern day technologies like use of social media, Artificial Intelligence, Google etc to create the needed awareness for the Marine and Blue Economy growth.
He further described journalism and the legal practitioners as noble profession which in turn has the capacity to enlighten the public about new innovations , thus the professionals must be strategic while engaging critical stakeholders for nation building and economic development.
Dr. Essien also appealed to members of the association to prioritize capacity building as a veritable tool to gain more knowledge.
Describing ” knowledge as power”, the Dean stated that training and retraining of members of AMJON is a clear indication of wealth creation urging them not to relent in pursuit of academic abilities and upskilling.
Earlier in his welcome address, President of AMJON, Paul Ogbuokiri, said the association is strategic towards ensuring adequate reportage of the maritime industry.
He expressed the association’s preparedness to collectively pursue the Masterclass programme as part of effort to update members requisite knowledge to adequately report the sector.
Ogbuokiri commended management of the School for providing the needed facilities for the successful training programme organised by the association.
He reiterated the association’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive reporting of the maritime industry it’s readiness to pursue the Masterclass program collectively.
Comment here