By Otori Ozigi
Today, marks my 39 years in active journalism practice, which began shortly after the successful completion of intensive training at the prestigious Times Journalism Institute, Lagos , Nigeria.
At the age of 22, I was offered automatic employment as a Senior Reporter with The Herald Newspaper, where I horned my skills as a budding journalist.
This was after i completed my compulsory industrial training with the Newspaper and was employed by one of the doyens of journalism in Nigeria,Late Dan Ikunaiye , the former Editor of The Sunday Herald Newspaper, Kwara State.
I was immediately posted to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja,as an Aviation Correspondent.
It was at the airport that I developed a mutually symbiotic relationship with Late Mr Agidi M.Ovurevu,a former senior management official of the Nigerian Ports Authority,NPA, Lagos, Nigeria,who later facilitated my employment with the reputable organization in 1988.,as a Public Relations Officer.
While in NPA for a period of 20 years, I had the opportunity to attend various media related courses and training ,both within the country and Overseas.
I attended courses in no fewer than 7 countries in Europe, America and Africa, namely United Kingdom, USA,Cameroon, Ghana, Republic of Benin, Togo, Gambia and Congo Brazzaville ,where I was able to acquired more media related knowledge,that also widened my horizon.
It is noteworthy that journalism has taken me to no fewer than 25 states in the country in the last couple of years on official assignment.
In the course of my service with the Nigerian Ports Authority, I participated in several on the job training, workshops ,symposium and conferences, including attendance at international tradefairs in Lagos,Kaduna,Enugu and Kano states.
I was also the Assistant Editor of NPA Magazine for a period of 18 years.
After my voluntary retirement from NPA in 2007,I took appointment with a leading Advertising company, M- Gold communications Ltd, Lagos, as a Manager,Clients service.
As fate would have it, I was later offered a political appointment with the Kogi State government as a Media Aide with the wife of the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State,Mrs Grace Salawu for a period of 6 years.
Upon the completion of their tenure in office,I went on to work with The Graphic Newspaper, Kogi State,,as a Political and Crime Correspondent until I decided to also engage in Public Relations consultancy in 2014.
On the whole,I give thanks to almighty God for his blessings and preservation of life over the years.
Journalism practice have been very exciting, challenging and highly rewarding for me.
Once a journalist, always a journalist.
Let the beat goes on.
Otori Ozigi, a veteran journalist and PR Consultant, writes from Okene, Kogi State.
