- Yetunde Yekini-Oropo
Prominent traditional ruler from Osun state and the Elerinmo of Erinmo Ijesha, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi on Monday advised journalists to focus on their areas of competence in order to excel.
This was just as the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mr. Dakuku Peterside said journalists must priotise professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their works.
The two and others spoke at the public presentation of two books – My Story of Many Colours and Anything and Everything Journalism authored by Mr. Azu Arinze, which held at the Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The presentation was attended by media executives, politicians, captains of industry and serving and former political office holders.
Among those who witnessed the event were broadcast icon, Chief Bisi Olatilo, songstress, Onyeka Onwenu, publisher of the Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, former Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media, Femi Adesina and many others.
Speaking, the Elerinmo said Arinze was able to emerge as force to be reckoned with because he has focused on his area of competence.
He said he has been able to author many books based on his focus on his core competence where he has greater advantage.
“This is why I advise journalists and the general public on an important thing in life. That is; to focus on your area of core competence,” he said
He described Arinze as a very charming person, noting that this has endeared him to many people and enhanced his work.
Also speaking, Peterside called on journalists to imbibe the culture of professionalism noting that this is what has earned the author his success today.
Peterside said, “Integrity is one of the virtues of a good journalist and professionalism is another dimension.
“Aside from that, Azu epitomizes the spirit of excellence.
I’d like to say something about excellence. Excellence and professionalism is what is encoded or it is a habit you can force. It is a hobby you can develop.
That is something Azu has shown; that all of us have hidden potentials to be the best of the best in whatever thing we choose to do.
“Azu didn’t just start to be the best journalist around. Azu has been trained. Azu has learnt, Azu has unlearnt, Azu has relearnt, and today we can all say Azu is among the best that we have in this country.”