The Princess Alaba Igbaroola led Photojournalists Association of Nigeria, PJAN, Lagos Chapter on Saturday June 1st, 2024 held a social media training for the members of the association in Lagos.
The training with topic: “Use of New Media in 2024 Journalism And Its Monetization” was held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
In her opening remarks, Igbaroola lamented the dire situation photojournalists have found themselves in the Nigerian media space. “Photojournalism as a profession here is burdered by the era of scarcity, and high cost of professional tools, irregular income, and downsizing palaver in the labour industry, thus the PJAN leadership in agreement with the vision the current Exco of the association espoused at its inauguration has vowed to put an end to incessant retirement fever and unpaid salary arrears being experienced by most Photojournalists in the nation.
Therefore, the training is one step at preparations toward financial independence and security, and also to ameliorate other financial difficulties being experienced by members. The training will offer alternative income avenues to explore”, she emphasized.
Igbaroola stated that, this is just begining of several of educational and empowerment programs lined up for members, and in the months ahead, more experts would be invited to organize such.
The IT expert/facilitator, Femi Arikawe took on membership of PJAN through rudiments of social media and how PJAN membership could use the social media platforms for improvement and to better their lots.
In dishing out his expertise to the audience, Instructor Arikawe said: “the main purpose of the training and development programme is aimed at perfecting robust and building a successful online platform. Though it takes time and efforts, but focus on developing a strong online presence, network and for continuous improvement of skills to increase earning potential, preparing for what generations can inherit”.
Highlights of the training are premiums based on the new media space dominance. The ability of analog skilled Photojournalists to transit to and flood the online space with quality visuals to attract traffic and at the same time smile to the banks with earnings from the worldwide market opportunities it offers.
Other areas covered during the training are: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok monetization for Photographers and visual artists. In addition, Photojournalists were advised on the imperative to have personal blogs/websites and also sign up with Stock Photography platforms.
In a her closing remarks, PJAN chairman stressed the need for Photojournalists to improve themselves, as gone are the days could they rely solely on their employers to organize training for them, “In as much as we are together as an association bond by the NUJ, we must strive to improve ourselves”, she added.
The number one Photojournalist in Lagos also urged membership to take further trainings with utmost seriousness and ensure every gains during the concluded training is put into use.
She further stated that it always gladens her heart whenever she sees her colleagues come together to support one another. She however encouraged members to be punctual anytime such occasion arises again.
Igbaroola used the opportunity to thank the facilitator, Mr. Arikawe and the PJAN members as a whole in making the training a huge success. “I also want to thank each and every member of PJAN for your tireless efforts, your passion for the craft, and your unwavering commitment to our association. Together, we will build a stronger and more resilient community of photojournalists”. She said that: “we will make PJAN a greater force for change in Nigeria’s media landscape”.
Some of PJAN members present at the training are the Vice Chairman, David Adejo; the former Photo Editor of the Nation Newspaper, Pa John Ebotha; former NUJ Auditor/PM Photo Editor, Idowu Ogunleye; New Nigerian Photo Editor, Mr. Akinola Ariyo; former Editor of Daily Times, Kola Akinro; PJAN Secretary/Managing Editor, Nationalmoment, Kazeem Bakenne, Senior Photo Editor, TELL, Mr. Sunday Adedeji; Photojournalist, Nigerian Pilot Newspaper/Assistant Secretary, Abiodun Omotosho and Amuwo Herald Photo Editor, Comrade Leke Adebanjo.
Report by: Bakenne Oladapo and Abiodun Omotosho