NGE Inaugurates Committee on Research, Training, Publications

Sunday Ehigiator

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has inaugurated a Research, Training and Publications Committee as part of efforts to enhance professional capacity, promote journalism scholarship and keep members informed on emerging issues in the media industry.

The committee, chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University Awka, Chinyere Stella Okunna, comprises seasoned journalists and media professionals drawn from academia, media management and publishing, and it is expected to serve a two-year term.

Other members of the committee include former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun, Tony Onyima; media entrepreneur and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Omalicha FM, Angela Agoawike; Senior Editor and member of the Editorial Board of THISDAY, Iyobosa Uwugiaren; and Weekend Editor of The Guardian, Kabir Alabi Garba.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, President of the NGE, Eze Anaba, said the Guild attached great importance to the committee’s assignment and had carefully selected its members to ensure a blend of academic scholarship and industry experience.

According to him, the committee was constituted to help bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice in Nigeria’s media industry.

“The membership of the committee was carefully selected to reflect this aspiration of bridging the gap between the town and gown. I do not doubt that members will deploy their collective expertise to advance the Guild’s intellectual and professional mandate.”

Anaba explained that the committee would focus on promoting knowledge, skills and best practices in journalism through research, training and publications. He noted that the body would conduct and support research on issues relevant to journalism and media practice, including studies on readership, viewership and listenership trends.

The NGE president added that the committee would also develop and deliver training programmes aimed at strengthening the capacity 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, Okunna, described the initiative as timely and significant, expressing confidence that the committee would contribute meaningfully to the growth of journalism in Nigeria.

“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 in Ikeja, was attended by the Guild’s General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh; Assistant General Secretary, Gabriel Akinadewo; and a member of the Guild’s Standing Committee representing the West, Rose Moses.