Her Book; A Must for Young Journalists – Experts
Interest, Passion Are Very Essential – Aminah Muhammad
It was indeed an outpouring of commendations as great men and women from different walks of life recently celebrated Hajia Aminah Muhammad’s four decades in the field of broadcast journalism.
The event, chaired by the Founder, City of Knowledge Academy and Former Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Dr. Mrs. Mosun Bello-Olusoga, was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.
Bello-Olusoga described Hajia Aminah as a very versatile and cerebral professional, very detailed, committed and loyal.
“For the young broadcasters and journalists, I want them to borrow a leaf from Aminah. She does her homework very well, makes sure she puts her best forward, does her research very well and interview people making them feel very comfortable.
“She asks decisive questions and is very committed to her craft. Young broadcasters and journalists should hone their skills, carry out thorough research, be prompt, exude knowledge and confidence and lastly, always make people feel comfortable,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Nike Olufade, former Executive Director, Marketing, NTA, advised young broadcasters and journalists to emulate Hajia Aminah by being true professionals.
She also urged those in leadership positions to be very considerate towards women working with them because of their multi-tasking nature like taking care of the home front, child-bearing and upbringing.
The newly launch book, titled, “Whispering of a Broadcast Jewel”, chronicled Hajia Aminah’s broadcast sojourn.
The newly unveiled book, published by UNILAG Press, was reviewed by the author’s former colleague, Mr. Soni Irabor, a veteran broadcaster, trainer and advertising practitioner.
Mr. Irabor described Hajia Muhammad as very unassuming, hardworking and humble.
According to him, the book is a must-read for young broadcast professionals and teachers too.
“There are so many lessons to learn from the book including being very resilient, focused and committed. She doesn’t run away from work and she always gives the best of herself to achieve the best.”
There was also presentation of awards to distinguished personalities like Prof. Tonnie Iredia, Dr Mosun Bello-Olusoga, Hajia Sekinah Temitope Lawal, Dr Wale Babalakin, Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu, Hajia Sekinah Yusuf, Hajia Bola-Muse, Mr. Bashir Lasisi, Mr. Yinka Adebayo, Alhaji Idris Shuaibu, Dr Dele Makanjuola, Mrs Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke, Mr Doyin Dada, Prof Edamisan Temiye, Mr Ade Shittu-Alamu and Mr Olalekan Ajia.
Same recognitions were given to brands that have been supportive of Aims Media, a media company she founded in 2011.
These include The Companion, The Criterion, Al-Barakah Foundation, MSSN Lagos, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, among other brands/companies such as Vitafoam, Rite Foods, Lotus, NBC, NTA, UAC, Dangote.
Founder of FAJIM Medicare Foundation, Prof. Fatimah AAbdulKareem said that the veteran broadcaster never takes a ‘no’ for an answer.
“She goes out of her way to succeed against all odds and she’s also been part of the FAJIM Medicare Foundation that we founded as a member of the executive committee. She gives her professional advice and uses her media to promote the foundation. We’re really very proud of her.”
In her speech, Hajia Aminah Muhammad revealed that passion and interest in the profession has been a motivating factor for her from inception.
According to her, “First is interest, then passion. As media practitioners, you know there’s really no money therein, so, if you’re more concerned about the money, you’re on your own. Interest is paramount. When you do it well with passion, zeal and resilience, people will recognise you and money will come afterwards.
She condemned citizens’ journalism without ethics and decorum. “Media generally has turned to all-comers, particularly with the advent of social media. Everyone is now a media practitioner. Back in the days, there was strict adherence to ethics, but today, we now have something called citizen journalism and people now do whatever they like.
However, we the so-called old school still hold on to the ethics of the profession and do the right thing. We have also imparted the little we have in others.”
Talking about challenges in the media today, she implored young journalists to believe in their products and brands.
“Challenges are only meant to reaffirm your commitment. There’s no two way about it. Believe in your product and brand, it might not be easy from the start. The major challenge in media is funding, but when you believe in what you do and people are convinced that you’re focused, they will be the ones to come to you.
On the book, she said that the goal is to share experiences and tell a story, because everyone has a story to tell. It is simply my own way of telling my story and sharing some tips on broadcasting and television production, so that those coming in can have something to leverage on. They need to know that although the field is very lucrative and prosperous, it is not a bed of roses, it is laced with thorns and challenge. These challenges, however, are not insurmountable.”
She urged women and female Muslim professionals in particular to always strive to beat expectations set for them by their colleagues and people in the work environment.
Aminah Muhammad trained at University of Ibadan with postgraduate studies in Mass Communication from Leicester University, United Kingdom.
She is the founder of Aims Media Company Limited and anchor of many educational TV programmes, including Pathway to Jannah; a spiritual journey to attaining eternal bliss.
WIth over 40 years experience in broadcast journalism, she worked with Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, until her retirement in 2015.
She rose through the ranks to head the programmes department in NTA.
Hajia Aminah Muhammad is a one-time Amirah (Woman President) of The Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA), former Secretary NANTAP, and a former Publicity Secretary of University of Ibadan Alumni Association; Lagos State Branch. She is also a member of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria and other professional bodies.