The Political Leadership Training Institute, better known as The Political Academy, POLA, hosted by Senator Gbenga Daniel, over the weekend trained at least 60 participants for the 2023 academic year in Ogun State.
Held at the POLA Facility located inside Asoludero Court, Sagamu, the theme for training “Retooling for Optimum Delivery in a Democratic Environment,” emphasised on reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey from pre-independence to the present day, analyzing the nation’s struggles and the need for balance as it moves forward.
Participants were drawn from both traditional and new media, offering a diverse group of journalists an opportunity for growth and collaboration.
POLA Chancellor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, underscored the vital role of the media in shaping Nigeria’s democracy. He called on practitioners to move away from ‘brown envelope’ journalism, emphasizing the moral obligation for objective reporting grounded in facts and thorough investigation.
Distinguished facilitators, including Steve Oliyide (Registrar of the academy), Prof. Kayode Oyesiku (Chairman, Institute Advisory Board), General Olumuyi Okunowo (rtd), Dr. Babatunde Onadeko, Otunba Fatai Sowemimo, Kehinde Sogunle, and Prof. Adegbemi Onakoya, all conducted insightful sessions during the training.
The workshop not only focused on individual skills but also emphasized the importance of collaboration and team play, in the ever-evolving world of digital media and news reporting.
This training program stands as a testament to Senator Gbenga Daniel’s foresight and serves as a guiding light for aspiring leaders. It showcases the crucial role of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving landscape of political communication. The participants, now armed with new insights and skills, are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the digital age as they embark on their journey as media practitioners and potential leaders.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
