South African Airways has said it is committed to supporting Nigeria’s women professionals in the field of journalism through sponsorship of a conference, Women in Journalism Africa aimed at developing the profession.
Women in Journalism Africa, an annual conference which is the initiative of Yomi Owope, a seasoned Public Relations professional is aimed at enlightening women in journalism about the current challenges and technological advancement in the profession to enhance better productivity.
In partnership with South African Airways, Women in Journalism Africa brought Anthea Garman, Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies from Rhodes University, South Africa to inspire Nigeria women journalists at the 4th edition of the conference in early July 2017.
Discussing the theme – Pioneers, Innovators and Brave New World – at the 4th edition of the Women in Journalism Africa conference held at the Muson Centre in Lagos, Professor Anthea Garman enjoined women in Journalism to be creative in order to play in the current as well as fit in the future of global journalism.
‘Let me first thank South African Airways for a wonderful flight from South Africa to Nigeria. This is my very first visit to this country. When I got the invite, I couldn’t say no to Nigeria, no to women and no to journalism”, Garman said.
The Professor added that “Creativity is key in this noble profession! We all have to be very creative and have the freedom to play with our ideas in diverse ways to fit in the global standard of new era journalism.’
Earlier in her speech, the Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Bolanle Ambode, who represented by the Assistant General Manager at the Lagos State Water Corporation, Dr. Mrs Bola Balogun, said women should leave the shadows of petty trade and become innovators and entrepreneurs not only in the media but across many professions in the society.
South African Airways Regional Manager, North, West and Central Africa Ohis Ehimiaghe said, ‘SAA seizes this opportunity of partnering with Women in Journalism Africa to contribute its quota to the journalism profession to continue to tell many positive and developmental stories about Africa.’
The convener of the conference, Yomi Owope said, “The Women in Journalism Africa conference is simply a reawakening platform for women professional journalists to understand the enormous responsibilities bestowed upon them to educate, enlighten and more importantly inform the society without prejudice.’
Notable women in journalism attended the one-day conference including, Adesuwa Oyenokwe, Publisher of Today’s Woman magazine; Stephanie Busari, Editor CNN Africa and a host of others.
