‘Journalism is a beggarly profession’

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye has described journalism as a ‘beggarly profession’, even as he stated that he has no regret not to identify with the profession throughout his career as information officer.

Specifically, he warned information officers in the Federal Capital Territory Administration to distance themselves from journalists if they are preparing for leadership positions.

Ajakaiye who made this remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Press Week of FCTA Chapel of Nigerian Union of Journalists yesterday in Abuja also condemned publishers that give awards to politicians as a means of survival.

While calling on the Union to close down media organisations who have failed to pay journalists, Ajakaiye used the occasion to call on information officers to distance themselves from journalists.

His words, “I am not proud to be a journalist. I want you to de-emphasis your membership of the NUJ, which is just optional.

They are beggars. You are first, civil servants and information officers, and you must prepare for leadership. I look forward to the time NUJ will fight newspaper houses that do not pay salaries.

“Why do we have journalists that are not paid? Why do we have journalists that would have to be begging when they come for an assignment, why is it so? I have no answers. I want information officers to find these answers and tell our colleagues, instead of fighting other members of the society.