By Uzo Ugwunze
Journalists have been advised to embrace entrepreneurship, acquire new skills for financial stability and get ready for retirement to avoid old age creeping in on them unawares.
The advise was given during the October Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Anambra State chapter Congress which held at the Godwin Ezemo Press Center, Awka.
Speaking during the Congress, a University Don and Retired Civil Servant, Dr Azubike Nkala in his Lecture titled ‘Beyond The Paycheck: Finding Meaning In Retirement Through Self Improvement and Entrepreneurship. A Memo To Nigerian Journalist’ advised journalists to make hay while the sun shines and embrace less stress demanding skills as alternative sources of income during old age.
According to Dr Nkala who was the former Head of Department, Mass Communication, St Paul University, Awka, time has come when Nigerian Journalists should build capacity and aim for multiple sources of income for their families in order to overcome our poverty situation and torn coast syndrome associated with Nigerian Journalists over the years.
“As journalist, we are aware that there is a conspiracy against us by the entire society. All people appreciate us when our news and feature stories affect them positively or promote their trade but hate us whenever we speak truth to power.
“Our job involves investigation unfortunately whenever we investigate and publish what they do behind the scene they come after us with sledge hammers. It is not fair.
“The paycheck of Nigeria Journalists is too poor. The rate at which journalist are sacked is too frequent. The rate at which media organizations are shut down is too frequent.
“Brown envelope in your active years may not be enough to set you up at retirement. The money we have in circulation is not always enough to give investible capital for retirement.
“Let us learn from Barbara Walters of the Watergate scandals whose paycheck was once upon a time bigger than that of the American president but died miserably at a very old age without money to take care of debilitating illnesses.
“The solution is that journalists must look inwards. We must therefore dust our books, go back to the University, get our masters and doctoral degrees for the purpose of up scaling our statuses and be in a position to negotiate our paychecks with potential employers and entrepreneurs and to get higher bargaining powers in employments and consultancies after retirements,” said Nkala.
“In a state like our own therefore, the conditions of retired journalists can at best be described as miserable, sickly, and debilitating. The political elites are not helpful, otherwise, as state actors with surplus investible capital they can leverage on their high income levels, not only to establish more media organizations and pay higher wages to journalists but help to cushion off the conditions of sickly old aged and suffering journalists,” he quipped.
Moreso, Prof Stella Okunna talked about the bragging right of the journalist but pointed out that bragging is only possible for exceptional journalists who have skillfully improved on themselves and their service delivery.
Earlier, The NUJ Chapter Chairman, Dr Emeka Odogwu said that the essence of introducing the seminar teachers which include the ICT capacity training from the Director of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Fred Agbata was to equip Anambra journalist with modern day opportunities that can be explored using smart phones and social media handles to create alternatives streams of income but for the present active years and for passive income during retirement.
Odogwu also warned journalists to desist from backbiting their colleagues for selfish reasons and from actions that could be inimical to the overall well being of the NUJ body in the long run.
Agbata emphasized the importance of Ai technology which can aid journalists in writing their reports saying that journalists excel more in the field of AI technology than most people. He also announced plans to organize an AI workshop for journalists in Anambra State.
The Chief of Staff to former governor, Dr Willie Obiano, Chief Primus Odili tasked journalists to be mindful of the information they put out to the public saying that misinformation can mar the society. He urged journalists to maintain fairness and objectivity in their reporting and evaluation of the government’s activities, ensuring that their assessments are balanced and accurate.
Odili eulogized the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for its achievements in Anambra State urging Ndi Anambra to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second term in office to continue his development strides across all sectors.
Highlight of the Congress include presidential handshake and commendations for the NUJ football team that represented the union well during the Press week.
