Renowned philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Lotto Ltd, popularly called Baba Ijebu, Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, on Tuesday 11th June performed the turning of sod for the building of a media resource centre at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos. TheMediaGood Newspaper gathered that the 350-seater media centre will bear Adebutu’s name for his commitment to advancing journalism education in Nigeria.
Odole Oodua of Yorubaland
Represented by an Ambassador of Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF), Aare Kola Oyefeso, Adebutu said the centre, which is expected to be inaugurated soon, was established to impact positively on mass communication students. Oyefeso said the 350-seater facility, fully financed by Adebutu, is aimed to enhance the quality of journalism by providing resources and support for aspiring journalists.
He highlighted the organisation’s mission to give back to the society by supporting institutions and individuals, regardless of political affiliation. “The foundation was set up to give out to the society in sectors, schools, churches, hospitals and even to politicians without minding which party they belong to.
“This media centre initiative is aimed at positively impacting journalism in Nigeria. By providing resources and support to aspiring journalists, the foundation seeks to enhance the quality of journalism and promote research and learning opportunities,” he said.
Responding to a question about sustaining philanthropic gestures, he stressed the significance of appealing to individuals, who have been blessed with resources, to give back to the society. He said philanthropy is a moral imperative and stressed the importance of gratitude and generosity in fostering positive societal change, by encouraging individuals to recognise their privilege and contribute to the common good. Adebutu advocated a culture of giving and solidarity. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to societal development and emphasised the transformative impact of collective action.
The Provost, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, expressed the institution’s vision to establish the media resource centre as the most comprehensive facility for journalists in Nigeria. He said the centre would enhance skills and elevate the quality of journalism produced by the institute. “It is the school’s dream to make the centre the most resource centre for journalists in Nigeria. The resource centre will impact skills and make better what we have already produced.”
Representing the Chairman of the NIJ Governing Council, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former president of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lanre Ogundipe, thanked Adebutu for fulfilling the promise he made three years ago.
Osoba noted the rarity of individuals who followed through on their commitments and praised Adebutu for his dedication to supporting the institute. The donation of a 350-seater resource media centre at no additional cost to the institute signifies a significant enhancement to journalism education in Nigeria.
The facility will provide invaluable resources and opportunities for students and faculty, furthering the institute’s mission of excellence in journalism education.
Osoba commended the provost and his team for their diligent efforts in bringing the project to fruition, highlighting their commitment to advancing journalism education in the country.
Ogundipe emphasised the importance of journalism practice evolving with the times, noting that the profession in Nigeria has reached a mature stage.
He highlighted the need for institutions like NIJ to lead by example and strive for excellence in journalism education.
Under the leadership of Osoba, the NIJ Governing Council is dedicated to elevating the institute to a degree-awarding institution, aligning with global standards in journalism education.
Osoba assured attendees that significant progress towards this goal would be made in the coming months, emphasising the council’s unwavering commitment to achieving the milestone.
“Journalism in Nigeria has come of age, the practice too should imbibe the spirit that comes along with that age. NUJ as a member of the governing board is 69 years old. Three years ago we celebrated 160 years of journalism practice in Nigeria. I have gone round, I have seen it in other places and what I have seen here in Nigeria cannot be compared to what we have in West Africa and sub regions.
“Nigeria should not only be an example of the practical world of journalism, this is why the council under Osoba is working relentlessly to ensure this institution moves from its present status to a degree awarding institute. I’m assuring you that in the next couple of months this will happen. We are leaving no stone unturned to make sure this is achieved,” he said.