Penpushing Media founder identifies passion, integrity as journalism success factors

Breezynews
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The Founder of Penpushing Media, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji has urged aspiring journalists and young professionals to uphold passion, integrity, and commitment as the core values required to excel in the media industry, life.

Featuring as a guest on MAPOLY Radio’s “Guest of the Week”, a personality programme of the station owned by Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the renowned journalist, reflected on his beginning as a clerk at the Ogun State Hospital, Sokenu, Abeokuta and how his unwavering passion for journalism guided his life’s journey.

Kayode-Adedeji, who is a member of International Press Institute, the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers narrated how his interest in journalism started during his secondary school days, when he regularly bought newspapers with his pocket money and read extensively.

During the interview, anchored by a veteran journalist, Kunle Oluwusi, former Zonal Secretary (Southwest) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists recalled that his first published article in Daily Sketch newspapers, fueled his determination to pursue journalism full-time.

‘While in secondary school, I never thought of any profession other than journalism. From my pocket money, I used to buy newspapers and read regularly. When I saw my first article published with my name, I was so excited it motivated me to keep writing”, he said.

The Ijesa-born journalist recounted one of the most memorable moments in his career when one of his stories about the risks at the State Hospital (now Federal Medical Centre), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, where he then worked, led to immediate government action.

He recalled that the write-up was on the porous nature of the hospital, which had no fence, adding that the piece got the attention of the then Military Governor of Ogun State, who, on same day of publication in the Daily Sketch, ordered the construction of a fence around the hospital.

‘This development further spurs me to return to school and eventually got admission to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos. Each time I pass through that hospital and see the fence, I feel fulfilled knowing that my pen made an impact’, he said

The media practitioner disclosed that, in the course of his journalism career, he worked with several notable publications including Daily Sketch, Third Eye, The Monitor, The Republic, Newstar, Searchlight, Leadership, Daily Times, The Post Express and PREMIUM TIMES. where he last worked to establish Penpushing Media.

The award-winning journalist, whose organisation is in partnership with notable establishments, including the United Nations Information Centre and Lead Women Africa (South Africa), advised young journalists to avoid shortcuts and remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence.

Kayode-Adedeji added that he has no regret being a journalist, explaining that the profession opens doors of success and influence for him, stressing that journalism is not about turning to a millionaire or billionaire overnight, emphasising that, ‘as journalist you can be richer that those parading cash as a success story’.

He said that what makes a successful journalist are passion, commitment and integrity, pointing out that any media practitioner who lacks those qualities may remain like a stagnant water.

He said that these virtues were responsible for being honoured by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who personally sponsored his birthday some years ago, adding that he remains in contact with the elder statesman.

The Founder of the Penpushing Media, owner of an online newspaper and television, disclosed that, while growing in journalism, his mentors included Chief Olusegun Osoba, Tola Adeniyi, Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, Liadi Tella, Idowu Sobowale and Eddy Aina, among other veterans

He recalled a bitter experience he had in the course of his journalism practice during the 12 June 1993 presidential election crisis, when he was attacked by the military and almost lost his life.

He emphasised that, despite the bitter experience, he was not discouraged because of his love and passion for the profession, adding that the incident rather motivated him to continue on the right path.

Kayode-Adedeji disclosed that Penpushing Media has trained over 80 journalism/mass communication students who came on internship from various higher institutions across the country

‘If you don’t have passion for your job, you go nowhere. Passion and integrity will open doors for you’, he emphasised.

The interview session was designed to inspire students through the life experiences of notable achievers.

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