UNIZIK Mass Comm. Dept. Sets to Partner BCCF on Maiden Town & Gown Series

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

It was Manfred Eigen who said that "In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is."

In line with this, the Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in collaboration with Beyond Community Care Foundation (BCCF), has taken a bold step to bring a valuable interface between classroom and industry, through a program called 'Town & Gown Series' slated for August.

The Head of Mass Comm. Department, UNIZIK, Prof. Chinwe Uzochukwu disclosed this in a press briefing with newsmen, in Awka, Anambra State capital, during which she also disclosed that the one-event is the first of its kind.

According to her, the event, which is slated to hold on August 19, 2021 at ASUU-NAU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, starting at 9.am, will serve as a unique opportunity to get communication practitioners of various hues to come and interact with our students on the practical issues in the industry.

She said, "This year, we have chosen the theme “Exploring Emerging Opportunities in Media and Communication” and the goal is to expose our students, through the voices of very experienced practitioners, to the emerging trends in the industry so as to prepare them for successful careers in the fast changing world of media and communication. To achieve this, we have lined up eminent practitioners who will be our resource persons on the day."

On who and who will be lecturing at the event, the Mass Comm. HoD said, "The guest lecturer will be renowned broadcaster and media Manager, Mr Jika Atoh, who is currently the Executive Director, West Africa Broadcast & Media Academy. Our panel of discussants will include Managing Consultant, Gavinta & Associate Ltd and former Group Managing Director, Champion Newspapers, Mr Emma Agu; Broadcaster, Branding Specialist and Senior Special Assistant to Enugu State Governor on Electronic Media, Mr Carl Ofonye; Presenter/Producer & Head New Media Unit, Radio Nigeria [Coal City FM], Enugu, Mr Von Nwadukwe; Bureau Chief, Africa Independent Television, AIT, Enugu, Mr Ken Eseni; General Manager/Secretary Board of Directors, Kpakpando Media Group, Comrade Monic Okechukwu; and Chief Correspondent/Head of Investigative Desk, Punch Newspaper, Tessy Igomu."

She revealed that some of these eminent media experts were products of the Mass Communication Department, UNIZIK, and noted that the Department is proud and happy welcoming them back home where their experiences will be so valuable in mentoring their junior ones still undergoing training.

According to her, the Chief Host for the day will be the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone, while Former Managing Director, The Sun Newspapers and former Commissioner for Information & Culture, Anambra State, Chief Tony Onyima PhD, will be the Chairman on the occasion; as the MD/CEO of Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Chief Uche Nworah, PhD co-chairs the occasion.

She added that Media Aide to former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, Barr Valentine Obienyem, will be the guest of honour at the event.

While appreciating the founder of their partner organisation and Traditional Ruler-elect of Amanuke Eri Kingdom Chief Dennis Ezebuilo, Ogbuodudu 11, for his magnanimity in accepting the collaboration, she further use the medium to invite members of the Fourth Estate to witness the landmark occasion where the industry and classroom will meet.

Speaking on behalf of Beyond Community Care Foundation (BCCF), Mr. Onuora Aninwobodo said the organisation deemed it necessary to partner with the Mass Comm. Department on the event in affirmation of the premium it placed on education.

According to him, Beyond Community Care Foundation is a Non-governmental and nonprofit organization with the aim of developing people, lifting humanity from poverty and hopelessness, and which has shown its readiness to uplift the needy in communities across Nigeria and beyond.

He said, "The Non-governmental and not for profit organization, disturbed by the increasing rate of poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment and other issues ravaging humanity, especially out-of-school children and orphans in the country, decided to give a helping hand and support government's efforts in reducing poverty and number of out-of-school children in the country."

He also stated that the Foundation is determined to providing access to health coverage for the sick, aged and rural poor in various communities across the country, adding that they are focusing mainly on education at the moment.

While highlighting some of the things the organisation has done in recent time, including awarding scholarship to Miss Chidera Wisdom, an amputee and SS3 student of GSS Garki Abuja; he testified that the Founder, Igwe Ezebuilo, who is also an astute and pragmatic businessman, with entrepreneurial spirit of repute, has put his over 22 years of thriving business venture in the pursuit of helping young Igbo youths in achieving greatness through his mentorship program.

He said, "This is in line with the Department's idea of bringing accomplished media personalities from the field to rob minds with the students, to expose them to requisite skills needed for success in the field of practice after graduation.

"We commend this initiative and we are proud to identify with the program. We, as well, commend the Vice Chancellor Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, for his approval of the event and the Head of Department, Prof. Chinwe Uzochukwu, for her foresight in reaching out to partner our organization in this laudable project."

Speaking further, he said, "It is our firm belief that individuals, communities, corporate organizations, non-governmental organizations and international organizations and agencies must be deeply involved in the efforts at reducing poverty in the land, enhancing rural development and ensuring the overall national development of the country, through skill acquisition and sound education.

"We commend the Mass Communication Department of the University for this program and call on the students to take advantage of the platform and learn from these experts and improve on their knowledge of why they are studying Mass Communication, especially at this era of fake news, social media and media censorship among other challenges faced by practitioners."