As media practice keeps revolving graduands of the Alpha Institute of Broadcasting and Communication (AIBC) have been urged not to sacrifice credibility for quick recognition or compromise integrity for popularity in the discharge of their duties.
The charge was given by Engr. Grant Offor, President of G-Empowerment Foundation, during the graduation ceremony of 27 students sponsored by the foundation, held on Saturday, March 28, in Port Harcourt. Offor, represented by Sam Chikweri, Secretary of the G-Empowerment Management Committee, emphasized the critical role of broadcasters in shaping public consciousness.
He noted that broadcasting remains a powerful tool that influences society, especially in an era defined by rapid information flow where news breaks within seconds and opinions spread quickly. He stressed that the industry requires credible communicators and ethical storytellers committed to truth and professionalism.
Offor commended the graduates for their dedication and resilience throughout their training, describing their achievement as a validation of the foundation’s investment in human capacity development. He urged them to use their platforms responsibly by ensuring fairness, accuracy, and respect in their reporting and storytelling.
Highlighting Nigeria’s position in the global media space, Offor encouraged the graduates to project balanced and authentic narratives about the country and Africa, focusing on innovation, resilience, and excellence.
He also charged them to maintain high ethical standards, warning that reputation, once damaged, is difficult to rebuild. According to him, their certificates mark not the end of their journey but the beginning of a professional career that demands continuous learning and adaptability.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIBC, Kalada Wilson Iyerego-Orubo, urged the graduates to embrace innovation and remain relevant in a constantly evolving media landscape.
Iyerego-Orubo noted that the institute has trained over 1,000 individuals in various fields, including public speaking, broadcast presentation, production, engineering, sales, and marketing. He described broadcasting as a profession that requires both skill and courage, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, curiosity, resilience, and ethical responsibility.
He advised the graduates to prioritize truth over speed, noting that trust is the most valuable asset in the media profession. He further encouraged them to remain versatile and adapt to emerging technologies while upholding the core principles of journalism.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, the course representative, John Peters, expressed appreciation to Engr. Offor and the G-Empowerment Foundation for sponsoring their training.
Peters assured that the graduates would apply the knowledge acquired to promote truth, inspire hope, and contribute positively to society. He also thanked the management and instructors of AIBC for their guidance and support throughout the programme.
The ceremony marked the successful completion of a one-year media training programme, equipping the graduates with skills in broadcasting, production, and communication.
