Excitement filled the air at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) today, Monday, April 29th, as the construction of the Kessington Adebutu Media Resource Centre commenced.
The sod turning ceremony of a 350-seater facility was being donated by serial businessman and philanthropist, Chief (Sir) Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu CON, KJW, FISM, for the training of communication students in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event which was held at the school premises in Ogba, Lagos, the Provost of the Institution, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, expressed gratitude towards the ongoing project, noting that the best of such development in NIJ has last happened in over 35 years.
According to Mr. Adefaye, “This resource centre will positively impact our training and make better the best that we have already been producing. This is just the beginning, and we are coming out with a long list of people to say ‘come and do this’ because when you empower the press, you empower democracy.”
The building is expected to be completed in four months, according to the Provost.
The turning of sod was performed by Aare Kola Oyefeso who represented Chief (Sir) Adebutu.
While performing the ceremonial ground breaking, Aare Oyefeso said, “As the Provost has mentioned, this facility is going to impact positively in the training of journalists in Nigeria. It’s a media resource centre, so we expect students to take advantage of access to research and other provisions that will come along with the building.’
Speaking on what could be done to sustain such a philanthropic gesture, Aare Oyefeso said that it is to appeal to individuals whom God has endowed to be financially capable of contributing to the community.
“By the grace of God, we shall all be here come September this year to commission the project. God bless journalism in Nigeria,” he added.
Commenting on the project, the Chairman of the NIJ Governing Council, His Excellency Aremo Olusegun Osoba, who was represented by the former president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Lanre Ogundipe, congratulated the Provost.
He emphasised that the journalism profession in Nigeria has come of age, but practitioners too should imbibe the spirit that comes with such an edge.
In his words, “NUJ, as a member of the governing board, will be 60 years very soon. Three years ago, we celebrated 160 years of journalism practice in Nigeria. What we see in other parts of West Africa in terms of the practice of the profession is far from what we do here. Nigeria ought to lead by example in the profession.
“That is why the board, under Aremo Olusegun Osoba, is working tirelessly to ensure that NIJ grows from its present status to a degree-awarding institution.”
He assured that in the next couple of months, such development will come to fruition.
Mr Ogundipe also averred that the facility, upon completion, would strengthen the school’s reputation and attract top talents and partnerships within the industry.
It is noteworthy that Chief (Sir) Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu was conferred the fellowship award at the Golden Jubilee special conference of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism on 31st March 2022.
The long-awaited Kessington Adebutu Media Resource Centre is expected to provide journalism students with access to state-of-the-art equipment, resources, and technology, enhancing their learning experience.
Also present at the event were the NIJ Council members ably led by Uncle Sam Amuka. Others were Dr. Sanya Awosan; representing the Alumni Association, Mrs. Funke Fadugba, the Deputy Provost of NIJ, Dr. Boye Ola; the Registrar, Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo; Heads of Department, Academic and non-academic staff members, students and pressmen.