75-Year-Old Man, Oasis Magazine Publisher, Others Defend Seminar Papers At IIJ In Delta

By Our Correspondents
A 75-year-old man, Pa. Ejogharado Blessed Hossana, the Publisher of Oasis Magazine (OM), Daniel Dafe Umukoro, and others, today defended their Seminar papers at the International Institute of Journalism, IIJ, Asaba Study Centre, Warri in Delta State.
The event which took place at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Warri, had in attendance lecturers of the institution and invited guests.
The said students presented their seminar papers under rigorous supervisions by a panel of judges.
Pa. Hossana who is the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ughelli Chapel said he was motivated by his position at the NUJ to enroll for the programme.
According to him, “I enrolled inspite of my age because when we go out, some of us were being referred to as quacks. I don’t want to be referred to as a quack in the journalism profession.”
Pa. Hossana who is also serving member of the District Customary Court in Oghara, Ethiope-West Local Government Area, advised practicing journalists who are not professionally qualified to enroll for the International Institute of Journalism programme for their own good.
While noting that education has no age limit, Pa. Hossana said the youths should develop a passion for education to better their lives.
He said: “I hold an HND in Business Administration before I did the PGD programme. By next year, I hope to enroll for my Masters Degree programme as well and by the grace of God, I pray to have my PhD at 80.”
In a chat with our correspondent shortly after presenting his paper, one of the students, Umukoro said he was excited that the tedious journey has finally come to an end.
Dafe disclosed it was not an easy task combining the programme, administrating over Oasis Magazine, a print and online media outfit and carrying on with the religious demands on him altogether.
He added: “Though it was a difficult but positive load, dropping such today is a thing of joy. We have been taught so much and I know that it will make me a better journalist and publisher at the same time.”
“At this time in Nigeria’s history, the nation needs more professional hands on deck as journalists to help birth the nation’s next season,” saying that his passion for a new Nigeria influenced his seminar topic choice: “The Mass Media and Good Governance.”
Another of the student, Mr. Enebeli Emmanuel Ochonogor said: “I feel great for the one year programme and it is worth it.”
Ochonogor who doubles as the Publisher of Ndokwa Reporters, an Online Newspaper, advised those who are not qualified, but practicing Journalists, to take advantage of the programme and free themselves from embarrassments from the public.
Ochonogor also called on SSCE holders who are interested in studying Mass Communication or Journalism to enroll for the National Diploma programme of the Institute.
He stressed that: “Admission is ongoing. Good a thing, it is a weekend programme, but it is two years.”
The other students who also defended their seminar papers include Udise Gladys, Elohor Foghola and Odede Mark Newworld.

The Asaba and Warri Study centres are affiliated to the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.