...Bags Outstanding Mentor Award at JAMSSA Day
By Unyime Bassey
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has charged journalism students to prioritise truth, ethical reporting and effective communication as they prepare for careers in the media industry.
John gave the charge in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Managing Director of The Ink Newspaper, Comrade Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot, at the 2026 Journalism and Media Studies Students’ Association (JAMSSA) Day celebration held at the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
Speaking on the theme, “Speaking with Purpose: Strengthening Journalism Through Public Speaking and Ethical Reporting,” John said the rapid growth of technology, social media and information platforms had made credibility more critical to the journalism profession.
He noted that while everybody could now post, broadcast and express opinions, “not everybody can be trusted,” stressing that journalists must distinguish themselves through effective communication, professionalism and commitment to truth.
According to him, journalists must embrace clarity over complexity, particularly when reporting issues such as government budgets, policies, elections, development projects and legislation.
He urged the students to explain complex issues in ways ordinary citizens could understand rather than merely repeating official figures or statements.
John also identified calmness, preparation and confidence as essential qualities for effective public speaking, advising aspiring journalists to know their facts, understand their subjects and anticipate questions before speaking.
He further urged them to choose context over sensational headlines and connect with the people behind the stories by giving citizens, including farmers, students, traders and entrepreneurs, a voice.
The NUJ chairman outlined three simple public-speaking tools — the 60-second rule, the three-point structure and listening first — which he said could strengthen reports, interviews and presentations.
He explained that journalists should be able to explain their stories clearly within a minute, while the three-point structure should answer the questions: What happened? Why does it matter? What happens next?
He stressed that effective journalism also required listening, urging the students to engage communities and understand their concerns before reporting.
On ethical reporting, John identified truth over speed, humanity over clicks, independence over influence and accountability as critical pillars of journalism.
He warned journalists against rushing to publish unverified information simply to beat others to a story.
“Do not be obsessed with being first; be determined to be right,” he said, adding that a false story published first remained false.
John also cautioned against exploiting victims of accidents, violence, abuse and disasters for online engagement, insisting that journalists must protect the dignity of people whose stories they report.
He urged journalists to remain independent and ask critical questions about government policies and programmes, while also taking responsibility for errors and issuing public corrections when necessary.
The NUJ chairman further warned against three major traps confronting journalists in the digital age — the viral trap, speed trap and AI trap.
He advised the students not to mistake WhatsApp forwards and screenshots for credible sources, while urging them to use artificial intelligence responsibly without surrendering professional judgment.
“AI cannot attend the community meeting for you. It cannot verify your source for you. And it cannot take responsibility for what you publish,” he said.
According to him, the journalist remains accountable for the journalism produced, regardless of the technology used in the process.
John reminded the students that their professional journey had already begun, urging them to build credibility through responsible conduct, proper treatment of sources and verification of information.
He described a journalist’s byline as a reputation that must be protected, stressing that journalism was more than a profession but a public trust.
Meanwhile, the Journalism and Media Studies Students’ Association honoured Comrade Nsibiet John with the Outstanding Mentor of Emerging Journalists Award during the celebration.
The award recognised the NUJ chairman for his “exemplary mentorship, professional guidance, and steadfast commitment to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of journalists and media practitioners in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.”
The recognition, dated August 19, 2026, underscored the association’s appreciation of John’s contribution to mentoring and inspiring emerging journalists.
Representing the NUJ chairman at the event, Comrade Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot also conveyed the message of purposeful journalism and ethical practice to the students.
John, in his concluding message, urged the students to rise above the noise of the digital age and become journalists who can present facts, ask difficult questions respectfully, challenge power responsibly and report government without becoming government.
He said the ultimate currency of journalism was not followers, likes or views, but trust.
“Speaking with Purpose + Ethical Reporting = Journalism that Strengthens Society,” John declared.
No comments:
Post a Comment