The University of Benin outgoing interns in the Weekend Observer – Omorodion Ruth, Akhidenor Musa Charity, Duru Chimaobi Innocent, Ehigiator Wisdom and Akhimien Juliet speak on their various experiences during their four-months industrial training at the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL).
PRIOR to my coming to the Nigerian Observer, my IT coordinator asked all the IT students to submit our IT letters to our preferred media organization, right there and then, I proposed in my heart to do my industrial training in the Nigerian Observer. I then proceeded to submit my IT letter and I was lucky to get my acceptance letter the same day.
I resumed work on the 1st of June in Weekend Observer under the supervisorship of my amiable editor, Mr. Osazua Ivbaze.
Being my first day, I was a little shy particularly seeing new faces from various schools. Then my editor welcomed the new IT students and put our brains to test by telling us to write an article on the transition in governance from the PDP to the APC–led President Buhari. This first assignment was quite tasky because I had to rack my brain, bringing to bare the facts surrounding the transition.
The next day, my editor called everyone to correct us, and urged us to improve on our writing skills. It was also another interesting adventure as he told us to go out to the ‘field’ to take pictures of the almajhiri children who stay along Airport Road to wash on-coming vehicles, as well as interview them. We were then told to write a feature story about them, unveiling the risks involved in such acts, which I did.
Although my article was not published, that did not deter me from writing, as having the passion for writing, my pen was always in motion, writing on various subjects and issues. My colleagues at the office often teased me by saying that I exhaust a pen in a day, and since I came to the office, they hardly get to see plain sheets to write, because I use virtually all of them. Even my editor calls me ‘lefty’ because I am left-handed hence, it wasn’t long before I built a brand name as a voracious writer.
On the Friday of my first week, we were asked to go to the computer room for the production of the Saturday edition of the Observer, it was exciting knowing the processes involved in the production of a newspaper. Although, we were taught in the classroom, we were never exposed to the practical aspect of it. Therefore, seeing these processes and actively participating in the production is indeed an added advantage to me.
The following week I met Mr. Lamai Cassius, and he also welcomed the new IT students with the promise of taking us round the organization, which he fulfilled. He took us to the different sections and departments that constitutes the Nigerian Observer, as well as filled us in on the history of the organization. This in-house excursion ended with a light refreshment.
Having an editor that was always there to encourage me, call me to order when I go wrong, I am now indeed like a glittering gold which has gone through refinement.
There were times I wrote articles and my editor would tell me to go and take pictures to accompany the articles. My four-months industrial training in the Nigerian Observer, particularly in the Weekend Observer was indeed eye-opening and exciting as well. The joy of learning new things, getting abreast with latest news and information, socializing with people, and above all, acquiring knowledge and skills made it a total package for me.
My article titled, “Enter With Your Change” earned me commendation from my editor, as he found the article interesting and told me to take pictures of public buses, in Benin City with their drivers and conductors.
Every feature article, feature story, opinion article, news story I wrote was tasky and challenging because it required me brainstorming, researching and getting vital information to make the final write-up catchy and interesting to my readers. However, my most challenging article was “Enter With Your Change” because prior to writing that article, I wanted something very original, as well as something prevalent in Benin City which I could address through my writing and then I thought of the ‘enter with your change’ syndrome, with every bus driver and conductor clamouring for passengers to enter with their change before boarding a public bus, and I was glad my editor liked the article and commended me for it. My least challenging write-up was titled, “Why Older Ladies Reduce Their Age.” It was not really tasky because it was something I had indepth knowledge of, and the reasons for the rising trend of older ladies reducing their age. Therefore, it required little research. Although it did require little research, I also received praises and commendations from people within the organization for the article.
The secretary later went on leave, and then it was another opportunity to improve on my typing skills as there were times I went to the computer room to type stories for weekend’s publication. I also learnt how to scan photographs and source for pictures on line, plan pages and list the stories and pictures for weekend’s publication.
A workshop was also conducted by my editor in which he brought up two topics and asked us to talk on them. Firstly was on President Buhari’s 100 days in office and secondly on the decline in crude oil price and the advice to give to the President if we were to be his special adviser. Being an impromptu assessment, what you said depended on the knowledge and information you already had. I was glad I was able to talk lucidly as well as express myself confidently, and at the end, I was among the best as graded by my editor.
The Nigerian Observer was the best choice for my four-months industrial training, and I am glad I was posted to the Weekend Observer under the tutelage of Mr. Osazua Ivbaze. He is not just my editor, but my mentor and one whose footsteps I will always follow. I am indeed grateful to him for imparting in me knowledge, and the zeal to be the very best in life. The knowledge I garnered throughout this four-month’ period will certainly be useful to me in my journalism practice.
I am also thankful to the ever-dedicated Mr. Lamai Cassius for imparting knowledge in me, believing in me, encouraging me to forge ahead, for guiding me on my field of study, and also putting my intelligence to test all the time. All these have indeed made me become a better person. I am also grateful to the production crew administrators; Mr. Oboh, Mrs. Oboyo, Ms. Josephine, Mrs. Rita Osilonya for teaching me the various processes involved in the production of the Weekend Observer. I also appreciate Mrs. Tina Ederefo in the Administrative Office for her undiluted love, care and support throughout the period of my IT.
I am very glad I made the best decision of coming to The Nigerian Observer as what I have learnt throughout this four-month period, I am certain that my colleagues in other media organizations were not offered the opportunity to learn same. My stay in The Nigerian Observer has boosted my confidence and made me believe in myself.
I Never Thought I Could Survive The Heat
By Akhidenor Musa Charity
Journalism practice is not a tea party affair which means that the job is for serious minded people and not for every one who studied the course Mass Communication. That is to say, one might study the course but lack the necessary skills and ability to withstand the hectic and strenuous nature of the job.
Before my internship with the Weekend Observer, I never thought I could write anything good enough for publication. This however explained why I escaped the course mac 313(p) feature writing in my first semester 300 level.
In my second semester 300, level we were given the opportunity of choosing the organisation where we are to carry out our industrial training program. Then I choose the Nigeria Observer with the sole aim of practicing in the Newsroom as I am used to writing straight news story. But unfortunately for me, my plans changed on getting to the organisation on the 1st June 2015 as I was deployed to the Weekend Observer which major on feature writing I thought I had escaped.
On getting to the Weekend Observer to add salt to injury, the Editor Mr. Osazua Ivbaze asked my colleagues and I to do a write-up on President Muhammadu Buhari to test the stuff we were made of. This however turned me off balance as it took me hours to do the write-up. After doing the write-up, I said to my self Charity! This isn’t where you belong. I began sourcing for a way to change to newsroom, but all efforts to do so proved abortive. Then I knew all I could do was to console myself and bear whatever comes out. That was what happened on the first day on resuming at the Weekend Observer.
On the second day at work, my editor gave another assignment. This time to test our creativity; He asked us to cover the activities of the Almajiries washing vehicles at traffic light, and write a feature from what we gathered. This assignment was another hell on earth for me as it took me another hours to craft out a piece of write-up. I was heart broken, devastated when my Editor graded the write-up and I was the poorest among my colleagues. This was what prompted me to wake up from my slumber. Then I realized I was with a ‘No Nonsense Editor’ who is willing to teach you only if you are willing to learn.
I started asking question from other colleagues in order to improve my writing skills. Indeed my other colleagues were willing to teach me and also advice me to always read online materials and previous feature from other writers to know the various styles involve in feature writing. I took to the advice and I kick started. I wrote the first feature title “the Fall of the Mighty” it was not published. I felt bitter; in fact I was discouraged from writing. The second feature I wrote also was not published. I could not bear it so I confronted my Editor to know if I had improved in my writing. With a smile on his face, he gazed at me and reply yes! He further said “I can see you are willing to learn and that’s the spirit” that response gave me relief and encouraged me into writing the more.
My first byline was published after two weeks of my internship with the Weekend Observer and it was title ‘Baby Factory Business’. This gave me joy and prompted me into writing the more. It gave me joy because I never thought I could write anything publishable.
My internship with the Weekend Observer afforded me the opportunity to involve in newspaper production as we were allowed into the computer room every Fridays where we proof read stories and edit stories. This has boosted my reading speed and skills and also it has boosted my understanding of the usage of words and various style people use in feature writing. I have learnt a lot since my internship with the Weekend Observer. It has made me a team player as I was opportuned to meet and work with people from different institutions and backgrounds. I never regretted my internship with the Weekend Observer.
I want to use this medium to appreciate my Amiable Editor Mr. Osazua Ivbaze, whom I tag ‘ No Nonsense Editor’ for bringing out the me-in-me, and making me to overcome the thought I had about feature writing. Mr.Lamai Cassius, for putting me through page planning on dummy as well as providing refreshment when called upon. May your pocket never run dry Amen. Mrs Odion Tina [a.k.a Mama Excel] for the sacrifices she made for my colleagues and I during our stayed at the Nigeria Observer without requesting for money for she picks and drop us to and from work everyday with her car without requesting for money for fuel. Sometimes the car will be over loaded still she will not complain. I say may God reward your benevolence. Amen. And to other staffs of BNCL whose names are not mention, it doesn’t mean I did not recognize you. You all are wonderful.
To my colleagues from other institution, you all made my stayed in the Weekend Observer. I say a very big thank you. I love you all and will miss you all. You guys made me never regretted my internship with the Weekend Observer. In fact you guys made my stayed a memorable and pleasant one. I could not have wished for a better place to spend my internship. It is an experience that will definitely stay with me throughout my life time on planet earth.
I Had A Wonderful Experience
By Duru Chimaobi Innocent
Indeed, my time here in the Nigerian Observer as an I.T student has been wonderful. I cannot deny that it was filled with diverse daily challenges and shortcomings.
When I started, I had the air of uncertainty at what awaits me here. Enticing stories have been told by previous sets that also did their internship here. They had generously shared the nice time they had during their time with me. So I was experienced and also very nervous.
I would like to say a very big thanks to my Editor, Mr. Osazua Ivbaze for the chance and platform he gave me to prove myself. And also for his priceless words of encouragement; he is indeed a father.
My greatest challenge in all my time as an intern would be that we were not remunerated at all for our hardwork. If not for the occasional ‘lunch time’ organized generously by a selfless fellow in person of Mr. Lamai Cassius, there was no organized allocation to attend the needs of the I.T students. It was very frustrating to think that you would have to go to work daily solely on the transport fare from your pocket money, it was not encouraging at all.
But in all, it has been a very wonderful experience. My friends and co-interns have contributed to making this SIWES programme a wonderful one. To Kesiena, Ini, Beauty, Magdalene, Wisdom, Ruth, Charity, Juliet, and several others who are just too numerous to mention, I want to say I have really had a fun filled time with you all.
May God continue to uphold and strengthen the Nigerian Observer. And to prospective interns, please do well to come here; Observer needs you, Nigeria needs you. Come and contribute your quota to the development of this country.
The Journey So Far
By Ehigiator Wisdom
The journey began on the 1st of June, 2015 as I resumed my SIWES internship at the Nigerian Observer. On reaching the administrative complex, I was posted to the Weekend Observer where I met the Editor, Mr. Osazua Ivbaze.
We were graciously welcomed and the editor gave us an assignment to do in a bid to test our writing skills; I quickly put down something with the flash of inspiration that came and by the grace of God my work was appreciated by my editor who recognized a potential in us and urged us to keep writing.
Doing my SIWES internship at the Weekend Observer was a multifaceted experience. There were times I felt the overwhelming sting of boredom and at other times I wrote like a house on fire. At other times I was ‘plagued’ by the monotony of activity and experienced writers’ bloc.
One thing I learnt during the program was that I am an adventurous or field person and not an ‘office’ person. By this I mean, my potential soars when I have the opportunity to go out and do something challenging.
I am grateful to my editor, Mr. Osazua Ivbaze who demonstrated the exemplary leadership which is rare in the Nigerian ‘Civil Service’. I thank him for the times he sent me and my other colleagues out and for speaking the truth to us in love. He inspired us through his words and examples.
Working at the Nigerian Observer had its challenges; there were days where I had to trek under the heat of the fiery sun and there were times I worked with empty stomach. It was a time of great training. I believe that the little time I spent working in the Nigerian Observer have helped me understand myself, potential and passion.
I also appreciate Mr. Lamai Cassius for his show of love for the I.T students. I thank other members of staff who condoned our excesses and supported us throughout the program. I want to especially thank Mrs. Tina Ederefo for her hospitality and kind gesture to the UNIBEN I.T students.
My special memory during the program was my time at the library, my ‘under-cover’ investigative report of the Almajiri children and other interesting outings.
In all, I am grateful to God for the great privilege of working at the Nigerian Observer. like Isaac Newton said; “if we have gone ahead, it is because we stood on the shoulders of those who went ahead of us”.
I Scaled It All
By Akhimien Juliet
With so much expectations, fear amidst desperation, I prepared my mind to do the one thing I had been so scared to attempt which is writing stories for publication. I have always had ideas to write about, but I don’t seem to have the flare or boldness to write.
I was anxious to see myself writing an article for publication even though it is one thing I never thought I could do. Most persons around me expected me to submit my SIWES letter to broadcast media or other big and popular companies, well; I couldn’t blame them for that though they didn’t know my weak point was writing stories. Since writing articles is something I didn’t like and seldom do, I decided to do my internship with Bendel Newspaper Company Limited (BNCL) publishers of The Observer titles, with the hope of becoming a grounded writer in the end.
On the 1st of June, I resumed work, at first I was deployed to the news room and the next day I was redeployed to the Weekend Observer where I was introduced to my editor, Mr. Osazua Ivbaze. I discovered he is a serious minded person who appreciates hard work and creativity. I like him for that, considering the fact that it will help my kind of person.
My first assignment was to write a feature story on sexual harassment and blocking, I told myself this is it, now start writing. I submitted the write up, my editor commended my introduction, but my part of the write up was not published. I kept writing other articles that were published though; a few of them are yet to be published. It was then I began enjoying writing articles, I became challenged to write when I saw others writing. I would edit my write up until it became as brief and sensible as possible; this is because I don’t like repeating ideas even if the terms change, I like hitting the nail on the head as quick as I can. I write the way I like to read.
Today, I have been opportuned to practice journalism as a trainee, unlike doing theories in school. I was not only acquainted with an improved writing skill, but with the whole production process such as editing, sourcing for pictures that are suitable for stories, page planning, picture scanning to mention but a few.
My internship programme got me exposed to so many people within and outside the organisation; this taught me to familiarize myself better with people without having issues with them.
Thanks to my editor Mr. Osazua Ivbaze who has helped me to bring out the best in me and successfully molded me into becoming an author of many published articles. He is a man of great prowess, a prolific writer and a career builder. He is indeed an exemplary leader of great worth to official duties as well as a nation building in general. Nigeria is blessed to have someone like him work in a government organisation.
I also appreciate the efforts of the staff of the BNCL who added their needed quota to the success of my internship programme. I acknowledge every support you gave me, I will always remember you because, I have written your names in gold within my heart.
What I never thought I could scale through, I didn’t just scale through it but I scaled through it successfully. I count myself lucky and blessed to have done my internship programme with BNCL Weekend Observer. My experiences during my SIWES programme with BNCL are unforgettable, interesting and remarkable.
