The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented over 100 copies of “Beyond Expectations” – A Memoir, written by veteran journalist and administrator, Yakubu Mohammed, as a gift to Mass Communication students.
The presentation was made on Tuesday during the official launch of the book in Lagos to encourage the culture of reading among young, aspiring journalists.
The beneficiaries are Mass Communications students drawn from the University of Lagos and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, who attended the event.
The students couldn’t contain their joy as they received the book from Governor Sanwo-Olu’s representative and the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
Delivering the governor’s goodwill message, Omotoso described Mohammed as one of the leading figures in Nigerian journalism, whose work and experience continue to inspire younger professionals.
“He knows that you are one of the leading lights of the profession in this country and have really contributed your own quota,” Omotoso said.
“That you are writing now at this time is a testament to the fact that our people, journalists are realising that it is good for the older ones among us to write so that the young ones can learn from their experience. Today, Nigeria needs that kind of wisdom.”
Omotoso, who is also a journalist, raised concern over what he described as the decline of core reporting in the profession.
“Today, some of the people seen as pillar journalists are, in my view, mere commentators. The act of journalism, reporting is dying, and nobody is doing anything about it,” he said.
He praised Olusegun Osoba, former Ogun State Governor and veteran journalist, for maintaining the tradition of rigorous reporting.
“Aremo Osoba is here today, and he is known not just as a journalist but as a reporter. He is proud to wear that badge anytime, any day,” Omotoso said.
Omotoso also cautioned against what he called “microphone terrorism”, the misuse of broadcast platforms by individuals who use the media to spread misinformation or personal opinions.
“Because they have access to a microphone, they go on television and radio and begin to say things that journalists are not really supposed to say. Everybody is a commentator now, and people believe that commentary is all journalism is about. It is not so,” he stated.
He further warned about the growing threat of fake news, saying the ease of information dissemination through mobile phones has made it possible for false stories to spread rapidly without regard for their consequences.
“Everywhere nowadays, people who have access to mobile phones can stay in their rooms, formulate stories, press a button, and within minutes it’s all over the world caring less about the damage such actions can cause,” he said.
The event was attended by notable media and public figures, including Lasisi Olagunju, Anthony Kila, Omatsola Williams, Maureen Chigbo, Chief Tola Adeniyi and Taiwo Oby, among others.
In his speech, Yakubu Mohammed thanked the Lagos State Government for the gesture and all the guests, who honoured him at the book presentation.
The event was marked by several goodwill messages from colleagues, associates, and family members, who described Mohammed as a disciplinarian, a generous mentor, and a tireless professional, whose integrity and dedication have left a lasting mark on Nigerian journalism.
Source: Realnewsmagazine.net
