Why is journalism taken for peanut? By Inaolaji OLAYODE

Why is journalism taken for peanut?

Journalism is not a mere profession that can be consigned to the dustbin of life. The quota being contributed by the media men in the advancement of a country is immense. Journalists are the light of the world, they are painstakingly transforming us from a state of obscurity to brightness through their writing dexterity.

For clarity, there is a need to lay emphasis on the meaning of journalism. According to Wikipedia,  journalism is conceptualized as "the production and distribution of reports on the interaction of events, facts, ideas, and people that are the "news of the day" and that informs society to at least some degree".

This profession, handled by intellectual gurus ought to be valued more than gold but the reverse is the case in Nigeria, media or pressmen are seen as other things else. Who enterprisingly ventures into journalism should be thanked because it is one of the most treacherous professions I have ever known.

Journalists are the watchdog of the government. Their primary aim is the dissemination of information to the Nigerians through newspapers or social media. 

Nigerians, in a democratic government, as against a military government, should enjoy the freedom of speech and expression. It is horrendous that this right is not fully enjoyed by the citizen as against the scholarly conceptualization of human rights as the right being enjoyed by the citizens.

In the newspaper, opinions, and suggestions that may bring progress to the country are revealed. Writers and academicians should not be lackadaisical in expressing their opinions, there is a rule of law. Don't let cowardice have a space in your heart.

I want to avail myself of this opportunity to express my profound encomium to those I am gaining from their fountain of knowledge and to correct and beseech the reading public to value journalists more than other gold.

By Inaolaji OLAYODE