The Deputy Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, Dr. Dele Omojuyigbe launched his ninth (9th) book on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
The book titled ‘NIJ’s Inside Story…from my lenses…The Beaut, the bend’, reviewed by one of the institution’s alumni, Dr. (Mrs) Khadijat Adedeji-Olona was unveiled in the school auditorium in Ogba, Lagos State.
Dr. Omojuyigbe in his remarks disclosed that it is the most difficult book he has written, owing to the fact that it required details.
“NIJ has a rich history, hence the reason for the documentation because there is need for people to know about it. I can say that NIJ is moving forward and it is evident in Chapter 14 of the book where at least 21 history making journalists were mentioned.
“This is my 9th book, it is the most difficult for me to write. In terms of ideas, I was stuck because you are talking history, you are dealing with strengths, humans,” he revealed.
The author reiterated high cost of production and appealed to the government to look into it in order to enhance reading culture and encourage more authors.
He also revealed that the other option (online/digital space) does not get enough attention from Nigerians, stressing that hard copy must be sustained.
“As long as countries are still printing their currencies, hard copy will never go into extinction. I am yet to see a country that prints e-currency. Naira, Yen, Dollars are printed”, however, he acknowledged that times change – and expressed gratitude to everyone present.
Similarly, Provost of NIJ, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye lauded Dr. Omojuyigbe for achieving the remarkable feat, stressing that it is a record book of the prestigious institution.
Mr. Adefaye emphasized the impact of NIJ in Nigeria’s media space, stating that the first editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Muyiwa Adetiba was a ‘product’ of the school.
The former Editor-in-Chief and General Manager of Vanguard Newspaper encouraged the students to get a copy and read it thoroughly, explaining that ‘it is more important to them.’
Commenting on the significance of the book, the reviewer, Dr. Khadija said: “It will help to know the history of the school. Another advantage is people will be going on internships and work in media houses, you will get to meet some of the Alumni in the book and network with them.”
However, she vowed to continue carrying the mantle of excellence accustomed with the school – and charged the students to follow her footsteps and also purchase the book.
Sharing his thoughts on the book, President of NIJ Alumni Association, Dr. Sanya Awosan heaped praises on Dr. Omojuyigbe saying that he is an excellent writer.
“I have known him from our undergraduate days. He is a great human and an objective writer,” he stated.
Dr. Awosan, who is also a member of NIJ Governing Council, opined that books are meant to be read and not to be kept on the shelf because of the knowledge in it.
He added: “I am one of those who believe that NIJ has great potentials. It has more pedigree than most tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The journey of NIJ has just started.”
Dignitaries present at the book presentation include; Registrar of the institution, Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo; Head of Department, Mass Communication, Mr. Mike Osuji; and Associate Lecturer & Executive Director, Media Career Development Network, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin.
Director of Special Programmes, NIJ, Dr. Jide Johnson, who happens to be host of the event and Public Relations Officer of the institution (the Co-host), Mr. Tolulope Ojemuyiwa, Lecturers at NIJ; Mr. Cami Ezenwa, Mrs.Oruoma Odum and a host of other lecturers and non-teaching staff also graced the event.