The Journalism profession is one of the most
prestigious professions in the world. A Communication Scholar, Prof. Ralph
Akinfeleye once said after rapture, Journalism is the only profession that will
remain in heaven as journalists will be busy reporting what is happening from
the North, East, West and South of heaven so people can stay connected.
30 Solid years after meritorious Services in various
capacities like the former Sunday Editor of The Nation, The Punch Newspapers
where he was Group News Editor, City Editor and Group Political Editor, Lekan
Otufodunrin will be taking a bow on the 31st of Decemeber,2018. Lekan
Otufodunrin is a topnotch journalist and media career development specialist.
He is the Outgoing Managing Editor, Online and Special Publications of The
Nation Newspapers and founder of Media Career Development Network.
Fondly called, ’Uncle Lekan’ by admirers, Lekan
Otufodunrin is a passionate media
trainer and counselor, he has organized and facilitated various impactful media
training programs for all categories of journalists in Nigeria and in Africa
which has enhanced the careers of participants.
Through Media Career Development Network, he has
provided regular media career mentoring, coaching and networking opportunities
for journalists to maximize the potentials of the profession, some of whom have
risen from being reporters to editors.
Among others, he has trained and mentored
journalists for Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, International
Press Centre, International Centre for Investigative Reporting, Nigerian Union
of Journalists, United Nation Women and United States Consulate, Lagos .In
furtherance of his media career work, Otufodunrin has a number of very
practical and media industry relevant books to his credit which includes Purpose
Driven Journalism, Excelling in Journalism, Reporter Extraordinaire, Journalism
of My Life and The Journalist You Ought to Be. He has also bagged numerous
awards for his professional practice and media career development work from
media training departments of Polytechnics, Universities, Institutes and media
organizations.
Otufodunrin holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree
in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and a Certificate in Advance
Digital Writing from the School of Communication, Pan Atlantic University,
Lagos. He is also presently an Associate Lecturer at the Nigerian
Institute of Journalism, Lagos where he teaches Digital Media and Investigative
Reporting. He was an adjunct lecturer at the Mass Communication
Department of University of Lagos and Professional External Examiner at the Nigerian
Institute of Journalism while he also belongs to the Nigerian Union of
Journalists and Nigeria Guild of Editors.
Otufodunrin is a fellow of some international media
fellowships, including, Thomson Foundation, Cardiff, UK, Poynter Institute
(School for Journalists), Florida, USA and Bloomberg Africa Leadership
Initiative. He is the President of Journalists for Christ, a Governing Board
member of Journalists Against AIDS, Secretary of the Africa Region of World
Association for Christian Communication and Member of the Board of Trustees of
Media Associate International (Africa).
Am sure most people will wonder why is he
voluntarily bowing out after 30 years but the truth is for a robust town and
gown mind discussions, the academics is in need of journalists with practical
Experiences. Hence, Lekan Otufodunrin has resolved to continue in training and
retraining of young journalist on the rudiments of the profession through his
Media Career Development Network. I am sure one of these days, you’ll find him
in your newsroom or classes as he continues in this vision.
All I have to say is to wish,‘Lekan Otufodunrin’ the
best as he moves ahead in the vision of raising quality and competent
Journalists for Africa and the World.
Written by Tosin Adesile, a Journalist and
Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic
and a beneficiary of Lekan Otufodunrin rich journalism Experiences via
tosinadesile@gmail.com.
Every December 1
is known as World Aids Day across the globe. Ahead of this year celebration,
the theme for the year 2018 World Aids Day is“Do you know your Status”? How
many people actually know their status? In
Nigeria, the 2005 HIV/AIDS/syphilis sentinel survey show that 4.4% are living
with HIV/AIDS of the total adult population aged 15-49 years who are still
sexually active. The sentinel survey was compiled from data collected at
antenatal clinics across the country. The Median HIV/ AIDS prevalence among
antenatal clinics has leveled off at around 4% according to FMOH report.
However, such a report is a guideline and cannot be considered conclusive as most
Nigerian mothers do not deliver in clinics and not all of them do allow themselves
to be tested for HIV/AIDS according to another report.
Research from UNAIDS
Report on the Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic 2002 has it that Nigeria has the third
largest global number of people living with HIV/AIDS with an estimated number
of between 1.7 million- 4.2 million after India and South Africa and this has
not changed. Countries of the world have been responding to the challenges of
HIV/AIDS through various awareness campaigns to sensitize her nationals on
meaning, mode of spread as well as prevention of the infection. Also, the media
have played a pivotal role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2004, Global Media
AIDS Initiative affirmed that education is the vaccine against HIV/AIDS.
In Africa,
millions of people, especially the youths do not comprehend this disease full
impact, how it is contracted and how to arm oneself against it, therefore
become imperative. HIV/AIDS which may be contracted through unprotected sex,
sharing of sharp objects and a host of others but more importantly, HIV/AIDS
has no cure as prevention appears as the only viable option.
Therefore many
media organizations are now rising to the challenge by promoting awareness of
HIV/AIDS and educating the general public on its control while lot of
researches had been on-going on drugs that could prevent contracting the
ailment before sex and also after which is the PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis)
and PREP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) which is not available in Nigeria.
The strength of
media in influencing people’s perception as well as making society to change
their behavior may be an essential tool for fighting medical and social problem
such as HIV/AIDS. In other words, the media could be used to successfully
advocate for behavioral and attitudinal change and more specifically addressing
people living with HIV/AIDS in order to prevent stigmatization as well as
discrimination against the infected and affected persons.
It is in
realization of this fact that many nations of the world are using the annual
Worlds Aids programme to further advance the course of propagating the gospel of HIV/AIDS as well as removing
Nigeria’s name from the list of the country with more history of HIV/AIDS as
well as provide alternative for the control through the use of Condom for
protection as well as other ways of contracting it not forgetting the role of
the media especially airing of programmes relating to HIV/AIDS education and
prevention.
Though, there
has been pervasive lack of awareness of and knowledge about HIV/AIDS despite
its high prevalence, yet, it is important we all join hands together to fight
this menace by leading by example which is to first Know our status after then
we encourage others to follow suit.
By so doing, Nigeria
will sing a new song as far as HIV/AIDS is concerned.
By Tosin Adesile
HIV Epidemic is a deadly
disease if not treated, might lead to loss of life. Nigeria has the second
largest number of people living with HIV.
This epidemic varies widely and is common among young people between the
ages of 15-45 and more predominate among sex workers. Youth and young adults in
Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to HIV, with young women at higher risk
than young men. There are many risk factors that contribute to the spread of HIV
which includes prostitution, sharing of blades, high related sexually
transmitted diseases and a host of others.
Many years back, the federal
ministry of health stood its ground to fight the menace by establishing a
special department called national Action Committee on HIV/AIDS which also
mandated all the State Ministry of health to have state action committee on
HIV/AIDS to launch various advocacy on how to curb the spread. Late 2016, there
was vigorous campaign on use of condom to prevent HIV/AIDS and many non-governmental
organisation also joined in the advocacy.
Since then, activities on
HIV advocacy had been at its lowest ebb while departments saddled with the
responsibility have been idle for quite sometimes due to the government uncaring
attitude to curbing the menace.
In most countries of the
word, PrEP drug had been introduced as a pre and post drug in order to avoid
contracting HIV from sexual partners. In Nigeria, Prep is visible but with
small presence while there is still need for an operation scale up prep has
proposed by Tosin Adesile, founder of Africa Youth Circle and Current
Secretary, National Youth network on HIV/AIDS, Ogun State branch.
It is my opinion that
governments at all level will awake from its slumber and link up with
international partners to get Nigeria away from the second positions of countries
with the highest number of people with HIV and advance to safe health regions.
For over two
years, the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta have been in the news
over matters arising on petition to the EFCC on misappropriation of funds by
the institution Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole and the chairman of the
Governing council, Senator Adeseye
Ogunleye, the former Minister of Works.
After the
petition was sent to EFCC by unknown members of Staff who eventually turned out
to be a member of SSANU shows it must have been orchestrated by the
association. The duos were invited for questioning with documents and were
released without much ado.
In as much as
I greet the Muslim faithful’s happy Ed-el-mubarak,I must also acknowledge the
effort of the moon and the federal
government .
Firstly, the
moon made sure the proposed day for Ed-el-mubarak was moved which is a land
mark and we ended up sleeping all through the day. The Sultan who was quoted said
no moon was sighted which made it necessary for fasting to continue to complete
30 days. The moon is powerful, I agree but can someone categorically tell me at
the expiration of 30 days Muslim fasting, the moon was eventually sighted or
not?
Two, our
federal Government, I throw a great salute for succeeding in ruining a whole
week considering how bad the economy is as well as incompetent team managing
it. I can’t but fail to acknowledge that fact. Since holiday was formerly
declared on Tuesday and Wednesday, activities came to an half on Monday as soon
as it was 12noon where most banks were flooded with customers as well as
markets. Surprisingly, work might mange to hold between 9-12noon on Friday which
summarily is still observed as holiday.
Eventually, full
salary will be paid and federal Government thought they are doing everything possible
to save money, not at all with this attitude.
Once again, my
Muslim brothers and sisters, happy ed-el-mubarak!
I am using this opportunity to draw the attention of Senator
Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Ogun State to what is described as duplicity of
duties as well unbearable taxation to generate income at all means which
eventually does not get to the State Purse.
The Traffic Compliance and enforcement Agency was
established by previous administration to support the effort of FRSC, VIO,
Traffic police in the area of traffic related offence- Unauthorised parking, over
speeding, one way driving e.t.c
Since the agency commenced operation, it has helped to
cushion the effect of traffic problems within the state and out boundaries. One
major Challenge spotted about the agency is lack of necessary training. They
have started misbehaving, making money by all means for take home as against
the interest of the Government who needs more of tax payers’ money to further
provide I
nfrastrucres which it had invested heavily since the start of the administration.
A man who preferred anonymity was driving along Asero to
link the new dualised Abiola way road
beside farmers’ house and was stopped by the officers of trace accused of
driving on the pedestrian road. The man in question asked the members of trace
if the Government had built a pedestrian bridge on the road because he could
still not understand their claim. In the process of questioning, the front and
back plate was removed, immediately, the head in charge of traffic passage on
the road ask the officer to take available bike to deposit the plate at their Odeda
office. The man in question put a call to the Corps commandant and the Public
relation officer on the issue. He was
referred to Com. Odunlami, the head of Odeda office to return the plate. To cut the story short, the offence written
on the plate was-The driver of this vehicle is stubborn. Since when did
stubbornness turned offence in Trace law? One of the trace officers who spoke
to our correspondent said, they needed money to take home and they won’t
hesitate to challenge people who are not conscious of their right for any silly
mistake.
There are various degrees of various activities of Trace men
which we had witnessed that have no value as well as basis.
More importantly here is Parking Controllers who have just
been licensed by the Ogun State Government to collect money for parking of cars
as well as clamping and towing of vehicles parked at location believed not to
have followed parking rules. But surprising here is all these still falls
within the work of Trace which was established by law by State House of
Assembly.
Since the commencement of the parking managers, they have
launched serious attack on innocent citizen of Ogun State just to generate
money going directly to their account on whatever agreement it had with the
Government. From our investigation, we
found out that this peoples target is on luxurious cars and jeeps while any
rickety car parked at any location not authorised will be over looked. Also,
the men in the blue uniform looks for location near market and patronised area
where they carry out their business. They work with road side cloth and market
seller who calls them once any car parks in front of their market. I now wonder
why the Government decided to establish two agencies carrying out the same
functions. We have lot of people selling on the road not authorised since they
have no shop. Why don’t government start an agency that arrest people who sell
their goods at places not authorised unlike allowing duplicity of duties?
If the men of trace are not adequately staffed, the
government should create jobs with the aim of making money and relieve the
parking agent their jobs. Their men are at liberty to join trace or find other
jobs. I believe four thousand naira for
offence of parking wrongly is too much in a civil service state which economy
is sleepy awaiting investors. Government should looked into all these and act
accordingly.
Recently, a parking controller clamped a Lexus jeep at
Enugada lafenwa area belonging to a Special marshal of the road safety corps
member who preferred anonymity. All effort toward serious dialogue proved
abortive not considering the espirit de corp
which should have been taken into consideration .i still call on the Government
to intervene and return the money for the owner of this jeep because there will
be more to it in case of refusal.
One of the staff of the parking controller said they prefer
when they apprehend an offender and he begs them with an amount, that solves
the whole issue but once it get to their office, he or she has to pay the
necessary fine.
With this act, would government money be complete? I
recommend an overhaul in the activities of the trace and parking controller
without delay because Ogun People has more to tell as far as these men are
concerned.
While men and women don’t really think along the same lines in a relationship, it’s rather simple to understand what it takes to keep a relationship happy.
For most men, intimacy is sexual companionship, while it’s just not the same for women.
But if you can learn to see the world through the eyes of your girlfriend, you’ll be able to understand what it really takes to be a good boyfriend.
How to be a good boyfriend
One of the easiest ways to be a great boyfriend is to understand your partner and put yourself in your partner’s shoes.
But for an easier way out, here are ten tips on how to be a good boyfriend that can help you make all the difference in your love life.
#1 Treat her like a lady
Boyfriends aren’t born great. They become good boyfriends by knowing how to behave with women and the girl they love.
One of the first steps in getting the admiration of a girl you like is to treat her like a lady.
Learn to be chivalrous and understand what it takes to make her feel special. It’s easy to play nice until you get the girl, and treat her like you don’t care once the chase is over, but guys who do that will never be able to hold on to a great girl who’s desired by all guys.
#2 Respect her as a person
You can’t expect your girlfriend to do everything you want or behave the way you expect her to, just because she’s your girlfriend. Remember that she’s just your girlfriend, you don’t own her and shouldn’t expect her to behave like a trained monkey just because she’s likes you or you’re getting some action in bed with her.
If you want to know how to be a good boyfriend, learn to treat your girlfriend with respect and pay attention to her needs. Don’t take her words lightly or ignore her advice just because she’s a ‘girl’. If you truly do love your girlfriend, you would respect her too.
And if you can’t respect her, it’s obvious it’s not love that’s holding the relationship together.
#3 Remember the special days
Do you ever forget your birthday? Of course, you don’t. You never forget your birthday because it’s a really special day that comes just once a year, right?
Don’t you think your anniversary is special too, or perhaps your girlfriend’s birthday? It’s really arrogant when a guy forgets a special occasion and then says it’s no big deal. If your own special day can be important, why can’t you understand that women give equal attention to their special days too. Try to make a conscious effort to understand your girlfriend and remember the special days if she’s indeed important to you.
#4 Be caring and affectionate
For men, what matters is physical intimacy and sex. For women, sex is equally important, but they do appreciate a lot of affection too. Just like sex matters to men, cuddles and affection matter just as much for women. Show your affection by spending time holding hands or sitting down in each other’s arms while having a conversation.
A warm hug and a few affectionate kisses mean more in love than wild sexual escapades. And it’ll help your relationship last longer too.
#5 Don’t take your girlfriend for granted
One of the most important aspects of knowing how to be a good boyfriend is to avoid taking your girlfriend for granted. If she gives you a foot massage or cooks a delicious meal for you over the weekend, just don’t take your girlfriend for granted and expect the same every weekend. In a great relationship, both partners have to understand the efforts of their lover and realize that every simple gesture is a sign of love and affection that should never be taken for granted.
Never ever take your girlfriend for granted or take a special gesture for granted. Instead, always learn to be thankful and appreciative of every single affectionate gesture.
#6 Support your girlfriend when she’s in need
All of us need a helpful hand when we’re in need. You don’t need to be clingy and become her Man Friday who’s there to answer her every beck and call. But when your girlfriend genuinely asks you for advice or help, be there to help her out.
Your weekend games or your male bonding time may be important to you, but on a rare occasion that your girlfriend asks you for a bit of help, make sure you’re by her side. It’s always reassuring for a girl to know that she can depend on her man for a helpful hand.
#7 Learn to apologize
Now this isn’t just isolated to boyfriends, but since we’re going over how to be a good boyfriend, we’ll stick to the man’s side of things. It may be egoistically painful to apologize, but sometimes, it’s a generous and yet humble move when a man can apologize to his girlfriend even if he’s not the one who’s wrong.
In the heat of an argument, it’s easy to get egoistic and have tempers flying on a high, but always remember that a simple apology can end the fight and help both of you communicate better. At times, apologize to your girlfriend even if it’s not your fault for the sake of the relationship.
P.S. You can always hint to your girlfriend that you’re still right when both of you are having a laugh after a few hours. It’ll help both of you sort your differences without getting blinded by anger or ego.
#8 Listen to her needs
Communicate and understand her needs and wants. Try to understand your girlfriend’s feelings, and even if she ever does sulk or behave grumpily, try to understand what’s going on in her mind instead of retaliating back in anger. Sometimes, women may find it easier to sit by themselves or throw an angry fit instead of getting straight to the point. It’s one of the differences in the way men and women react to pain or anger.
Instead of getting angry over her behavior, realize that men and women are different in such cases and try to understand her mind without losing your cool. It’ll make her feel better, and you a lot more understanding over time.
#9 Don’t try to dominate her
Most guys have a tendency to dominate their girlfriends. It may start out subtly in little ways like watching a favorite show or telling the girlfriend to avoid speaking to a few particular friends. But eventually, the urge to control a partner grows to an uncontrollable level, especially after marriage and even more so if the man’s the sole breadwinner.
This is one of the worst ways of trying to hold a relationship together. Instead of trying to dominate, learn to communicate. You can’t cage a lover or try to manipulate them into becoming what you want them to be. Love is about the attraction between two individuals. If you try to change someone, it’s not love that’s holding both of you together, it’s your insecurity and cowardliness.
#10 Push your girlfriend to be a better person
If you want to know how to be a good boyfriend, this is as good as it gets. You know your girlfriend better than anybody else, flaws and all. Most guys assume a relationship is all about being happy and in love, and having a great time in bed. But that’s not where love ends.
Help your girlfriend become a better person and help her overcome her flaws. When both of you try to make each other better individuals by overcoming each other’s flaws, you can achieve more happiness and satisfaction out of life. Learn to positively criticize your girlfriend and help her with her flaws at the same time. By helping her become a better person, she’ll love you and respect you a lot more.
Culled from-http://www.lovepanky.com/men/attracting-and-dating-women/how-to-be-a-good-boyfriend by Tosin Adesile
“Na wa ooo, for over
a year now, University of Lagos had been in the lime light”
“Yes ooo, the School is just relying on past glory”
“Don’t say that again, past glory bawo?, I totally disagree?
“To identify you Alumnus of the School is very easy. You like
hyping your School. How I wished Fmr. President Jonathan had effected the name
change from Unilag to Maulag, then, you people would have kept mute”
“Shame to the devil, thank God we resisted the decision
taken at a Beer Parlour”
“Hahaha, are you saying the former President do visit beer
parlour, that is a little bit funny”
“It could be funny to you but how on earth will a sitting
President just wake up and change the name of School that is 50 years to honour
a man who has nothing to do with the School”
“But let’s wait ooo, is it not the School that protested as
a result of bed-bug in their hall of residence. Despite you peoples claim that
you finished from School of first Choice”
“We all have access to speech but don’t forget the military
saying which goes thus- I can guarantee your freedom of speech but I may not be
able to guarantee what happens after making the speech”
“Serious palaver, alright but what happened to the girl
who electric wire fell on and died?”
“Things happen, that is just unfortunate that it happens.
Our prayers is that God will help us to stop the hand of evil”
“Ehn, but why did your Unilag refused to admit Students who
merit admission into medicine after passing with the required grade in 100
level?’
“That is not anyone’ fault. Not even the senate of the University.
The medical board had given a quota for admission and you won’t expect the
school to over-admit and risk dis-accreditation”
“But now that the Court has ruled that the University maintain
status quo pending the rule and determination by the competent court of
Jurisdiction, what will the School now do?”
“Story for the god”
“Let me congratulate your School for the record breaking
achievement of the boy who made 5.00CGPA, Ayodele Dada. I heard the House of
representative hosted him since they have nothing to do on the floor of the
house than to share money to each federal Constituency”
“Thank you for congratulating me. The boy has done all
Akokites proud but we need to appreciate the House of Representatives since
other tiers of Government ignored the outstanding feat of the boy including the
Governor of his State, Buroda Ayodele Fayose who has no other business than
smiting President Muhammadu Buhari”
“But wait oo, why did a Student of your Alma mater drink
Sniper, Eniola Jacob, a 300
level Students of Microbiology, is he fighting with the record breaker
ni or what do you actually think is
responsible?”
“That I don’t know, conflicting reports”
“But why do you think the parents of the boy decided to take
laws into their hands by detaining the four Students from their Childs
fellowship that came to commiserate with them on their son’s death”
“It will serve as deterrent to Students when their Parent sends
them to School, they should face their Studies. They have no business going
about the town greeting people up and down. If such is needed, the Dean of
Students Affairs office will push for that”
“Can you remind me that your slogan again?”
“Unilag…School of first Choice, the nation’s pride”
Sent from Felixdreal@yahoo.com
Tosin Adesile teaches
Mass Communication at the School of Part Time Studies and Diploma of the
Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta,
Ogun State, An Alumnus of the University of Lagos
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