The Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Rivers State Council, Mr. Opaka Dokubo said very soon quackery in the journalism profession will be a thing of the past. The NUJ Chairman made the remark at the inauguration of the University of Port Harcourt Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
He said the UNIPORT Chapel paraded great academicians and intellectual personality that make the chapel one of the greatest in the state. He tasked them to show the light and leadership style so that others will emulate.
The Chairman used the forum to condemned the quacks that are tarnishing the image of the profession while tasking the UNIPORT Chapel to take over from the charlatans in the profession. The NUJ Boss stated that he is confident that the challenge of the journalism profession is surmountable noting that it is only the journalists that will win the war.
In his Remark, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt Prof. Joseph Ajeyinka represented by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. William Wordi stated that the Linguistic and Communication Department has grown geometrically.
The PRO said the Department is increasing daily that she needs her own complex as the University will priotize TETFUND funding to accommodate the growing need of the Department
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Boniface Nwigwe described journalism as the forth-tier of governance that break down the day today activities of government.
He said that journalism as part of the Department of Linguistic and Communication Studies will prepare students to take the journalist work to any part of the country, saying the inauguration is in double dimension and double growth, while charging the students to take their studies seriously.
Also speaking, Prof. Mercury Ndimele stated that the event has fulfill the dream of 10 years ago. He said that UNIPORT compete highly with other Universities in the country because of their uniqueness and high sense of responsibility as they produced many first class students and also the highest number of JAMB enrollment yearly.
Presenting her welcome address, the Head of Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies, Dr. Virginia Onumajuru stated that “the ceremony will definitely ensure a closer relationship between the gown and the town as espoused by the current administration in the University”.
She maintained that the occasion is unique and significant in bringing the academia closer to the professional in the field to exchange ideas, in ensuring objectivity in news reportage and observance of professional code of ethics by Journalists.
In his acceptance speech, the NUJ UNIPORT Chapel Chairman, Dr. Udoudo A. Udoudo explained that the chapel will be totally committed to both the state and National body of the union.
The Chairman who is also a lecturer at the Department of Linguistics and Communication studies said they are happy to be recognized as journalists any where and they will organize workshops for students and other members yearly.
He promised to put in place a journal named “Journal of Media Practice and Research” at the University of Port Harcourt.
Highlight of the event was the inauguration of the UNIPORT Chapel of the NUJ by Mr. Opaka Dokubo.
Other members of the Chapel include: Dr. Omego, Vice Chairman, Pastor Iroham Chukwuemeka, Secretary, Mrs. Titi Osuagwu, Treasurer among others. Some dignitaries who graced the occasion are: Prof. John Onebube, Dean. Faculty of Humanities, Chief Adele Oyedibia and Dr. Ochornorgor among others.
Pius Dukor
