Lugard TV has opened its doors to its second set of interns under the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), urging the students to see the programme as an opportunity to acquire practical skills, develop professionally and prepare for careers in the media and communications industry.
The induction programme was held on Monday at the Government House Media Centre, Lokoja.
Speaking at the programme, the Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi State Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isah, expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his support and commitment to creating an enabling environment for the initiative.
Isah said the internship programme was part of a broader vision to develop a professional media environment in Kogi State while providing students with practical opportunities to build their capacity and gain industry experience.
He urged the students not to view the programme only as an academic requirement or a means of obtaining a certificate, but as an opportunity to learn the profession and begin building their professional identities.
He advised the students to learn the processes of storytelling, reporting, production and editing while maintaining accuracy, verification and responsible use of information throughout their training.
In his remarks, the Director-General, Protocol, Kogi State Government House, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, encouraged the students to invest in their personal development, noting that success is not determined only by coming from a wealthy family.
Ibrahim shared his personal experience with the students, explaining that his present position was achieved through hard work, personal development and determination.
He noted that his early interest in the media, coupled with his voice and charisma, contributed to his career progression, and advised the students to develop the qualities required of good media practitioners and make effective use of the opportunities available to them.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Hajia Nana Hawa Yusuff, urged the students to develop a strong ability for creating good content and understand what makes information newsworthy.
She advised the students to remain observant, noting that journalists and broadcasters must be able to identify relevant developments and distinguish ordinary information from newsworthy events.
The Managing Director of Graphic Newspaper, Mr. YJ Itopa, emphasised the importance of building professional relationships during the SIWES programme.
Itopa noted that the relationship formed during their training could become valuable professional contacts who might recommend them for opportunities in the future.
He also encouraged the students to use the internship period to gain wider exposure to different fields in the media industry.
The Coordinator of the internship programme, Suleiman Ganiyu, urged the students to make good use of the training opportunity, acquire practical skills and uphold professionalism throughout their attachment.
He advised the students to maximise the opportunity provided by Lugard TV and use the practical experience to build a strong foundation for their future careers.
Some of the students expressed appreciation for the opportunity created by LugardTV.
