By Oluwademilade Oni
The Press Club, University of Lagos, on Thursday inducted 65 new members at a formal ceremony held at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Lagos.
The faculty, which was recently upgraded from a department, served as the venue for the induction held on December 18, 2025.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief News Editor, UNILAG Radio/TV, Mrs Lydia Eke, representing the Executive Director, Media Career Development Network and Patron of The Press Club, Unilag, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, encouraged newly inducted members to adopt a positive mindset, emphasizing the power of thought and expression in achieving personal and professional goals.
She highlighted the influence of individual voices as tools for social change and urged members to tell impactful stories capable of effecting change within their communities and beyond.
Mrs Eke noted that journalism extends beyond political reporting, identifying fields such as developmental journalism, sports journalism, and food journalism as part of the many viable pathways.
She encouraged members to draw inspiration from diverse storytelling opportunities and to represent African narratives on global platforms.
Also addressing the audience, journalist and Editor-in-Chief of DevReporting, Mojeed Alabi, spoke extensively on journalistic ethics and professional values. He cited Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Dele Olojede as an example of excellence in reporting and storytelling.
Alabi addressed the challenges of the modern information space, noting that the abundance of information has also contributed to the spread of misinformation. He therefore urged members to verify every source diligently and uphold truth in their reporting.
According to him, “You can’t achieve excellence without a mindset of justice, fairness, accountability and transparency,” adding that a campus journalist’s defining quality lies in the pursuit of truth.Alabi further advised members not to be intimidated in their practice but also exercise discernment for situations that could undermine their safety or integrity.
He warned against being used to malign and stressed the role of journalism in shaping and sustaining society.
The ceremony also featured a spoken word performance by spoken word artist and author, Mabel Osagiede, whose presentation addressed themes of women’s voice, vulnerability, and autonomy.
Additionally, the immediate past president of the Press Club, Erinle Temiloluwa, encouraged the new members to remain diligent and highlighted the opportunities available within the club. He noted that campus journalism offers a platform for building professional portfolios and preparing for careers in the media industry.
Following the speeches, the inductees took an oath pledging commitment to curiosity, diligence, ethical reporting, and responsible use of information, which marked their formal reception into the club.
During the event, awards from the Press Club’s annual Tosin Adesile Essay Competition, held in August, were presented to recipients. The awards were presented by the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Professor Sunday Oloruntola, who remarked that the rewards of good journalism extend beyond financial benefits to include recognition and credibility associated with a journalist’s byline.
The Press Club, UNILAG, conducts its induction ceremony annually as part of its commitment to nurturing young journalists and promoting responsible journalism and impactful storytelling within the university community.
About The Author
