Students of Oyemekun Grammar School have been urged to uphold credibility and responsible communication as future members of the media industry.
This call was made by the guest speaker, Temitope Dare, during the school’s Annual Press club celebration in Akure. The event had the theme “The Evolution of the Press: Redefining Power and Credibility.”
Temitope Dare who is the Provost, Crest Media Academy and Head of Business Development and marketing department, Crest 106.1 Fm, Akure, emphasized the growing influence of media and the responsibility that comes with it.
Highlighting the importance of credibility in journalism, she described the media as a key pillar of society.
“Credibility is important in the media industry. We are the fabric on which society sits. What is the essence of having a foundation that is faulty?” she asked.
“In our current society, trust has diminished, but in the media industry we try our best to continue to portray trust. The voiceless should trust us to hold those in power responsible,” she said.
She also noted that modern technology has significantly transformed how information is disseminated.
“With media technology, things that are done in an hour can now be done in a minute,” she said speed must not replace accuracy and responsibility in journalism.
Dare explained that being part of a press club gives students an advantage in understanding how information is gathered and shared.
“Joining the press club means you have the power to get information compared to your peers”.
She warned students to be careful about what they post online, noting that social media activities now fall under the broader umbrella of publishing.
“Posting on social media platforms is also publishing, so you must be mindful of what you post online,” Dare cautioned.
The media expert further stressed that secondary school is the best stage to instill ethical values that will shape future journalists and leaders.
“Whatever students cannot learn now in secondary school may be difficult to learn later. This is the best time to teach credibility, trust, and honor, the values that build the media industry we have today.”
She urged schools and teachers to pay closer attention to press clubs as platforms for nurturing young talents.
“Schools should be sensitive about their press clubs and the students in their care. Teachers should teach students values they themselves would be proud of so we can build a society of good standard,” Dare said.
Earlier, the Press Club Coordinator of the school, Joshua Alaba Faith, explained that the club was designed to help students develop their potential and prepare for future careers.
“The purpose of this press club is to build them for the future. If your education fails you, do not let your potential fail you. It is for them to speak up and build their future career,” She said.
She added that the club regularly organizes press excursions to broaden students’ understanding of journalism.
“We go on press excursions to widen the knowledge of our students and enable them to have practical experiences of what journalism is all about”.
