Don-Pedro Tasks Reporters To Do Great Reports For Recognition

Ibiba Don-Pedro, the Managing Director of National Point Newspaper has encouraged reporters to do great reports that will sell their talents to the media audience.

Don-Pedro who has clinched so many awards as a journalist also tasked journalists on the need to build and develop a career road map that will enable them reach their peak advising them to identify and create areas that will enable them carve a nitch for themselves. 

Speaking at the weekend during one-day virtual workshop for journalists tagged; "Career Roadmap for 2024", organised by the Step-up for Women in Journalism Initiative (SWIJ), with  support from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), Ibiba Don-Pedro is was the guest speaker however urged media practitioners to develop the right inner strength and determination which are some of the boosters for achieving career targets.

Sharing her experience as a former reporter in The Guardian Newspaper Limited, the National Point Managing Director, said, she soared with  courage, admonishing journalists to go for knowledge and be courageous. stating that "It is not about gender, but who you are."

She continued "Tell yourself  you can, empower yourself, your subconscious is  as good as anybody,build yourself and empower yourself, be tough"

"When you are in the media space, do great work, have confidence and defend your right'" Don-Pedro  stated.

 Also speaking, the Executive Director, Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin,  charged journalists to remain focused even when they fail to meet targets.

He advised "If for any reason you have missed target, you are not alone but try to get back on track. Document what you want to achieve, drop excess baggage, be bold to take back steps, check regularly, have accountability partner and be ready for a change," he stated.

"It is important to be strategic about your career, have a career roadmap it will aid your growth"

Otufodunrin further encouraged journalists  to develop quality relationship and  build  mutual respect. "You have to pay your dues in the media sector and do what is right to grow"  The seasoned career mentor stated.

 On her part, Ann Godwin who leads SWIJ, said the  training  was aimed at bridging the gap between setting goals and working towards achieving them.

Godwin, winner of the Female Reporters Leadership Programme by the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism, regretted that journalists often set lofty goals at the begining of the year but fail to take conscious steps towards achieving them. She said failure to achieving set goals often lead to discouragement and feelings of depression. 

According to Godwin who is the Head of the South-South Bureau of The Guardian Newspaper.,"Laziness, lack of focus and refusal to push oneself  are some hindrances to achieving career goals. "Some persons are hitches to themselves due to lack of self push"

She  said In getting your road map clear, no gree for yourself this year. You must put pressure on yourself. Don't wait for anybody. You shouldn't be distracted by issues that  does not tie to your purpose" she stated.

She expressed optimism that the training will spur journalists to set clear  goals, work towards achieving  them with buoyant results at the  end.

Godwin applauded the WSCIJ  for its relentless support in building formidable  media and outstanding  journalists in Nigeria.  She specifically thanked the  organisation for  supporting SWIJ initiatives. 

Earlier in his goodwill message,  the Programme  Manager of WSCIJ, Mr. Samson Ademola congratulated Godwin and SWIJ  for the initiative. He said over the years, the WSCIJ has helped journalists achieve their career goals.

He highlighted the need for journalists to identify their nitch, pointing out that technology has brought about change in media consumer expectations.

In his contribution, a digital expert and participant, Paul Chimodo, stressed the need for journalists to advertise and brand themselves, using digital tools.

The workshop drew participants from academics, students of mass communication , media professionals,  public relations officers, media enthusiasts among others.