I try and keep in touch with what is happening in Nigeria by reading some of the dailies online frequently. I keep on getting appalled by the quality of the journalists and the journalism to the point I am almost in epileptic shock about the calibre of people we leave with the very important task of providing us with information and analysis that helps the masses shape their opinions.

I am opening this thread to periodically highlight the useless journalism of errors, lack of quality and unprofessionalism some of these journalists display.

Hopefully one of their colleagues read this and things improve. Or, better still, the Editors read this and realise we know they are not doing their jobs.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

http://www.tribune.com.ng/28102009/news/news17.html

[size=14pt]FG releases N200m for Adatan-Asero road dualisation[/size]
Olayinka Olukoya, Abeokuta - 28.10.2009

SPEAKER, House of Representatives, Honourable ‘Dimeji Bankole, on Monday, said N200 million has been released as part payment for the Adatan-Asero road dualisation, being handled by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

This is just as he appealed to the agency to expedite action on the project so as to relieve residents of the state from congestions.

Bankole said federal roads remained pivotal to business activities of the people.

He inspected some failed portions on the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) road, where erosion had been threatening residential buildings.

He said so far, a sum of N130 million had been expended on the channelisation of the gullies.

Honourable Bankole, who was accompanied by the chairman, House Committee on Environment, Honourable Duro Faseyi, also inspected Kotopo mini-organic fertiliser plant located in the town and said a N150 million had been released for the commencement of work on the plant.

He said the projects he inspected were requested by the state government from the Federal Government.

This dumb journalist did not see it fit to inform his audience where Adatan-Asero is located. Which state? Why is the road important?

And when the slowpoke comes to London he would think because he has worked so-and-so number of years in journalism in Nigeria when the UK TIMES refuse to hire him, they must be racist.

VANGUARD

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/10/28/the-judge-who-jailed-george/comment-page-1/#comment-81647

[size=14pt]The Judge who jailed George[/size]
Abdulwahab Abdulah,

When he was sworn-in as a member of the Lagos State judiciary on May 24, 2001, he was not known as a fearless legal practitioner.

However, Justice Joseph Olubunmi Oyewole, who handed down a jail term Monday to top politician, Chief Olabode George and five others including the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Aminu Dabo, to many Nigerians has distinguished himself as a fearless and courageous judge.

For those who know him or had worked with him either as a student or as a lawyer, “he is an upright person, straight-forward, strong-willed and incorruptible man.”

Though, Chief Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN), who led other silks including a  former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Dele Adesina (SAN), who represented George and his co-defendants to prove their innocence in the NPA scam case, did their best before Oyewole, he found them guilty of some of the offences, while exonerating them in others.

Justice Oyewole  attended the former University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, in the early 80s. He is an indigene of Osun State.

One of those who knew him as a student of the then University of Ife is Mr. Lanre Arogundade, a frontline journalist and colleague in student activism at Ife.

Arogundade, in his testimonies about Oyewole, described him as  ”one of the most trusted radical student activists during his days at Ife.”

A former editor with the Vanguard Newspapers and  former chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Arogundade, said: “I remember he ran for the presidency of the student union executive and lost. But, he was a member of the Students Representative Council (SRC).”

Arogundade, who was president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in 1984, recalled that Oyewole was a dynamic member of the student union when the Buhari-Idiagbon junta in 1984 attepted  to commercialise education.

He said: “During this period, Oyewole as a principal mobilising officer for NANS called on students to boycott classes.”

Shortly after he was appointed to the Bench, Oyewole was assigned to the criminal division of the Lagos State High Court where he had handled prominent cases.

He is one of the judges who handled EFCC’s cases.

Among the numerous cases Justice Oyewole has adjudicated is the EFCC versus Emmanuel Nwude and others including Mrs. Anajemba on the famous fraud on the Brazilian bank, defrauded to the tune of $264 million. He found them guilty of the offences.

Apart from sending them to jail, he ordered the forfeiture of their properties acquired illegally from the proceeds of  the advance fee fraud.

Justice Oyewole also convicted the Pastor of the Christ Praying Assembly (CPA), Reverend Emeka Ezeugo, a.k.a. Rev King, for murder, sentenced him to death by hanging.

He also adjudicated on the case of  attempted murder of Mr. Alex Ibru filed against Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and others. Though, he was unable to conclude the case, since one of the accused persons, retired Lieutenant-General Ishaya Bamaiyi, a former Chief of Army Staff  (COAS), opted for a separate trial before him.

Bamaiyi was eventually freed on technical grounds and for the failure of the state to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Oyewole also jailed an Ojota, Lagos-based Islamic cleric, Alfa Rasheed Yusuf and three of his accomplices —Morufu Olaleye, Musa Yusuf and Rafiu Ojesanmi.

They were sentenced to 120 years imprisonment each on 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.

He sentenced them to 10 years imprisonment on each count and ordered them to pay $138,495, 200 pounds and N2.714 million as restitution to the victim, one Mrs. Aderanti Kayode.

He is also presiding on cases bordering on advance fee fraud involving a Lagos lawyer, Mr. Fred Ajudua.

At present, the owner of the popular Waterparks Hotel, Opebi, Lagos, is before him answering charges of fraud and stealing of government documents, among others.

Oyewole was one of the nominees who were to be elevated to the Court of Appeal by the National Judicial Council until the exercise was put on hold by it.

This journalist lacks an analytical brain to, even for one second, consider questioning his praise of a judge he (The journalist) is reporting jailed 4 people for 120 years each for an offence of less than N20m, but the same judge only deems it fit to jail those with a N84 BILLION scam for 28 years each.

Sagamite:

This dumb journalist did not see it fit to inform his audience where Adatan-Asero is located. Which state? Why is the road important?

[quote][/quote]

Sagamite.

I strongly believe the Editor of this newspaper should be the one recieving the bashing. Even if the journalist forgot to include the location like you noted, The editor whose job it is to proof read should have mandated him to include it before publishing.

One particular journalist is Suraj. . . . I've forgotten his surname. . . the guy is so rubbish, yarning opata all the time. . . . I believe he even visits Nairaland.

Omo Justice Oyewole get reputation to drop the gavel,

120years for stealing 20million. VS 2.5years for stealing 84billion.

9ja we hail!!!

WOW!!! That is aweful!!

I am more interested in the headlines of Nigeria's online newspapers cos the journalist dont do enough investigation before going to press.

The only thing they know how to do is[b] issue sponsored press release as if its their own work [/b] AND condemning PDP as though they were the origin of corruption.

I grew up thinking Journalists were social crusaders. I respect NTA reporters till i die becuase they still maintain a level of professionalism, others kai. Its so bad. Seeing that they were always throwing the searchlight on societal ills, we have always tried to involve them especially when we are working on areas they highlight but they just disappoint you so much when they bring themselves down to asking for brown envelops before they can cover any event. Its sad for me because most of our projects are selfless and self funded, we dont have foreign donors, and i explain to them that it was the awareness they raise about such issues that push us to work on it so why will they not want to report such progress. I think people are not aware of the dirt in journalism because the journalists themselves are involved. They can point fingers yet turn and do worse. Every single thing to them is just about money

A lot of this journalist are not different from politicians. They are bribe collectors.

An example is the Bank Awards that ThisDay and Vanguard hand out at the end of year, the winner is usually the banks that is willing to pay the most money for the award.

You should watch Silverbird entertainment news where almost everything is about the Silverbird Galleria, the Silverbird Group, or an artiste or company that has paid a fine fee.

I really don't know what they teach at the NUJ if at all these clowns passed through any such institution.

Everyday, there's a new story from one of their sources. No concrete facts.

aisha2:

I grew up thinking Journalists were social crusaders. I[b] respect NTA reporters till i die [/b] becuase they still maintain a level of professionalism, others kai. Its so bad. Seeing that they were always throwing the searchlight on societal ills, we have always tried to involve them especially when we are working on areas they highlight but they just disappoint you so much when they bring themselves down to asking for brown envelops before they can cover any event. Its sad for me because most of our projects are selfless and self funded, we dont have foreign donors, and i explain to them that it was the awareness they raise about such issues that push us to work on it so why will they not want to report such progress. I think people are not aware of the dirt in journalism because the journalists themselves are involved. They can point fingers yet turn and do worse. Every single thing to them is just about money

Aisha2,
NTA? that is noted for only reporting any govt policies whether ''Bad or Good'' in good light? Please u cant fool US by praising NTA. We know better!!

Aisha, i won't exactly join you to espouse the virtues of NTA, but i believe they are closer to proper journalism than a lot of those ' freelancers' around. However, the threat to a greater nigeria is worse from them (NTA) than the other charlatans. They are the mouth piece of the reactionaries and they seek at every point in time to dispense information that is one sided and aimed at 'mis-educating' the populace. Anyway, most journalists in the polity are lazy, a sizeable proportion are compromised, another portion is less educated than the people they hope to enlighten, Only a few uphold the true tennets of the profession. One that readily comes to my mind is Reuben Abati.

bibiking1:

Aisha, i won't exactly join you to espouse the virtues of NTA, but i believe they are closer to proper journalism than a lot of those ' freelancers' around. However, the threat to a greater nigeria is worse from them (NTA) than the other charlatans. They are the mouth piece of the reactionaries and they seek at every point in time to dispense information that is one sided and aimed at 'mis-educating' the populace. Anyway, most journalists in the polity are lazy, a sizeable proportion are compromised, another portion is less educated than the people they hope to enlighten, Only a few uphold the true tennets of the profession. One that readily comes to my mind is Reuben Abati.

And Simon Kolawole. I agree with you but am talking from the point of veiw of media outlets you can count on to showcase developmental programs and how people can contribute to change, how many other media houses show you people who need help especially sick people? Most of the time these media houses still demand money from the people in need before publishing or airing their stories yes its that bad, only NTA sees it as theri social responsibilty and show all such stroires completely free

Now that is bad, if you have verifiable fact to that heinous crime it would be best to make it known. It is illogical for those media houses to exploit people in need! They have by their actions exposed their irrelevance! Please if you can get info on them i would be delighted

Ibime:

One particular journalist is Suraj. . . . I've forgotten his surname. . . the guy is so rubbish, yarning opata all the time. . . . I believe he even visits Nairaland.

Please what pubication? So I can take note of him.

If you are correct, I would love to cut and dice him on NL.

Pro Anti:

I am more interested in the headlines of Nigeria's online newspapers cos the journalist dont do enough investigation before going to press.

The only thing they know how to do is[b] issue sponsored press release as if its their own work [/b] AND condemning PDP as though they were the origin of corruption.

Bloody Quacks!

aisha2:

I grew up thinking Journalists were social crusaders. I respect NTA reporters till i die becuase they still maintain a level of professionalism, others kai. Its so bad. Seeing that they were always throwing the searchlight on societal ills, we have always tried to involve them especially when we are working on areas they highlight but they just disappoint you so much when they bring themselves down to asking for brown envelops before they can cover any event. Its sad for me because most of our projects are selfless and self funded, we dont have foreign donors, and i explain to them that it was the awareness they raise about such issues that push us to work on it so why will they not want to report such progress. I think people are not aware of the dirt in journalism because the journalists themselves are involved. They can point fingers yet turn and do worse. Every single thing to them is just about money

Please hint names of bribe takers so we can start any little campaign we can from NL.

But the NTA one, i would doubt if they are objective.

Sagamite:

Please what pubication? So I can take note of him.

If you are correct, I would love to cut and dice him on NL.

Yeah. . . .he's a freelance journalist. . . . you might see him on thisdayonline every now and then. . . . his Nairaland username is Jarus

Ibime:

Yeah. . . .he's a freelance journalist. . . . you might see him on thisdayonline every now and then. . . . his Nairaland username is Jarus

come on now

NTA has being trash since it's newsline heydays.

all they do in NTA is one government project or "gala" after another.

Ibime, freelance guys don't even count!

They are also very unprofessional as well.

NTA staff are better trained and more experienced than these other trial and error journalists all over the place.

The thing is that NTA journalists cover stories their bosses want them to cover and the private practitioners cover stories their bosses want them to cover.

Have you ever heard Silverbird staff carry a story about Ben Murray Bruce sleeping with Stella Obasanjo? Have you heard MBI carry news that Chris Oyakhilome has not accounted for all the money he makes in his Christ Embassy or that his miracles are suspicious?

So what are we saying here? Which journalists are better trained and know what their jobs entail?

The complete destruction of NTA was mainly with Tony Iredia as Director General.

This journalist lacks an analytical brain to, even for one second, consider questioning his praise of a judge he (The journalist) is reporting jailed 4 people for 120 years each for an offence of less than N20m, but the same judge only deems it fit to jail those with a N84 BILLION scam for 28 years each.

120years for stealing 20million. VS 2.5years for stealing 84billion.

Ha ha see kettle calling the pot black. You guys have not even taken time to read the judgment that sent Bode George to the land of Micheal Scoffield. Bode George was not convicted for stealing. He was convicted for contract splitting, disobeying a lawful order amongst others. In as much as i would have wanted more years for the man, we need to understand issues well before speaking our minds. You might wrongly influence others.

Only if Farida Waziri had asked the court to convict him for stealing, the judge would have so stated and he (Bode) would have been most likely be asked to refund the loot or had his assets confiscated. We in naija sometimes dey too emotive

Well, you appear to be right.

are these not the same guys seeking freedom of information bill,,i do hope one day we wont wake up to hear of a very misleading information that will split nigeria up.,

@ poster, sharrap ur dirty mouth. even if the fella failed to include the details you highlighted it doesn't in anyway mean Nigerian journalists are useless. after several Nigerian journalists have nicked awards at the international stage, .pulitzer prices,CNN awards etc and a handful have been jailed, maimed or killed in ensuring tonzos like you get HALFBAKED news. Friend do you know what the freedom of information bill is. Did you know Dele Giwa, Baguda Kaltho or Bayo Ohu, So think twice before you start to blab your mouth. one day spent in a newsroom should be adequate orientation for you in realizing what it means to hold the 4th estate of the realm

aal they care about is money

As for me, when I check a Nigerian newspaper, I simply choose to try and read between the lines believing what i want and inferring what I like. Most of the stories are like adverts, you can simply tell who paid for the story to be written. It comes as no surprise that the quality of journalism is low because the newspapers are owned by politicians (Sun, Independent, Compass) or their apologist (Vanguard, Guardian) or people who have made their newspapers available for the highest bidder (Thisday). of course my list is not exhaustive.

The other side is that these journalists are so poorly paid that they will write anything you want and the price is not so much. I was once at a function organised by some oil coys and you can't believe the way journalists were struggling for food, drinks and souvenirs. It didn't come as a surprise to me that in their report me, they had me as a staff of another company and other issues.

There's also another annoying thing about these journalist the "names withheld" syndrome.

I had to stop buying newspapers this year because it was just a waste of money. anything i can't read for free online, I allow it to pass. Imagine Sun Newspaper treating their readers to "Kalu leadership series", is that not enough to make any sane person puke?

look before you post leap

And u'd be honest. more than 90% of threads here take their base from mainstream media. so when you start your TV, radio and Print media. allow everyone the benefit of critiquing, otherwise be SILENT

vwvw:

@ poster, sharrap your dirty mouth. even if the fella failed to include the details you highlighted it doesn't in anyway mean Nigerian journalists are useless. after several Nigerian journalists have nicked awards at the international stage, .pulitzer prices,CNN awards etc and a handful have been jailed, maimed or killed in ensuring tonzos like you get HALFBAKED news. Friend do you know what the freedom of information bill is. Did you know Dele Giwa, Baguda Kaltho or Bayo Ohu,  So think twice before you start to blab your mouth. one day spent in a newsroom should be adequate orientation for you in realizing what it means to hold the 4th estate of the realm

You have a point saying that the occupational hazard in Nigeria is too much but please take note that Journalists did not push for Freedom of information bill at least not NUJ.

I think the NUJ is much like the NLC often fighting for things that can easily be arranged such that it is institutionalized. I still hold the useless NLC responsible for the troubles in the oil/gas downstream when they did not allow those refineries to be sold. at least we would have stopped the Turned around maintenance and the NNPC people that keep stealing money through that avenue.