News
Visit Library, Update Knowledge, RSNC GM Tells Staff
As part of efforts to encourage research and boost efficiency, General Manager of the Rivers State Newspapers Corporation (RSNC), publishers of the Tide Newspapers Mr. Vincent Ake has called on staff to visit the corporation’s library to update their knowledge on the running of the newspaper industry.
Ake stated this in chat with our reporter shortly after the presentation of a 208 page book entitled ‘Principles and Practice of Newspaper Sales in Nigeria’ to him at his office in Port Harcourt on yesterday by Abiola Ayankunbi, author of the material.
He said newspaper production is a very important aspect of the print industry and that its other key component which are sales and distribution are a chain which needed to be mastered to successfully operate the industry.
He commended the author for his efforts in documenting his experiences and knowledge for other to benefit from, pointing out that what he has done underscores the need for practitioners to always strive to leave a legacy.
Ake said, “It is necessary for us to leave a legacy. He *the author) has worked in the industry and he knows the problem that goes in the production of newspapers and the distribution.
“I want to commend him for this pensive work because he been able to put his knowledge down for others to know and benefit from. So it is for those of us in the industry to read and know where we can make amends at the end of the day.
“So I want to thank him for this; it is for both practitioners and students. I think that by the time I read the book, I will be able to know and I have promised to reach him if we need more copies so that others can get the knowledge that he has garnered in writing this book.
“I believe it is all about the challenges we face in the industry and how we can overcome them. Newspaper Production is not just an easy thing, especially when it comes to production, sales and distribution. It is a chain that needs to be well studied and mastered.
“That is why we also encourage our staff to visit the library because this book will be kept in the library for them to update their knowledge on how the newspaper industry is being run,” he stated.
Earlier, the author and seasoned journalist Ayankunbi said he was motivated to right the book to contribute to growing knowledge of journalism and more specifically to serve as a reference point for the coming generation, especially those who will be interested in the marketing aspect of print journalism.
He said, “First and foremost, I have been in the industry for almost 30 years. And the people who happen to be our managers those days the strategies on how to sell and circulate newspapers reside in their heads.
“So no document to back this this up and as they were leaving the industry, they were leaving with this kind of information. So at a point I now felt that what happen to the generation coming after us?
“That we need to do something for them so that they can have a reference point. So that was what motivated me to write this book,” Ayankunbi said, adding that he has been gathering materials since 1996 till date until the book was finally published late last year (2018).
“So in summary I published the book to serve as a reference point for the generation that are coming behind who will show interest in the marketing aspect of the job,” the author noted.
Dennis Naku
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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