For Aminah Mohammed, the quintessential broadcaster, who has four decades experience at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), passion and interest are essential for career success.

Speaking at the launch of her new book, titled, Whispering of a Broadcast Jewel, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, recently, she said in addition to passion, media practitioners should not be motivated by money at the early stages of their career, noting: “If you’re more concerned about 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.”

Muhammed, who is also the founder of AIMS Media, however, expressed concern over dearth of professionals in the industry.

She observed, “media generally have 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.”
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She said, “we, in the so-called ‘Old School’, still hold on to ethics to sieve the good from bad and do the right thing. We have also imparted the little we have in others.”

Commenting on the book, she disclosed that the goal is to share experiences and tell a story, because everyone has a story to tell.

To her, “it is simply my own way of telling my own story and sharing some tips on broadcasting and television production, so that those coming in can have something to leverage. 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.”

Published by Unilag Press, the book was reviewed by the author’s former colleague and veteran broadcaster, Soni Irabor.

Describing Muhammed as unassuming, diligent and humble, Irabor said the book is a must for young broadcast professionals.

To him, “every broadcaster, especially the young ones, must read her book. They should learn resilience from her. She’s very resilient. She doesn’t run away from work and always gives the best of herself to achieve the best.”

The event’s Chairman and founder, City of Knowledge Academy, Mosun Bello-Olusoga, described the author as extremely intelligent.
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Bello-Olusoga said, “Aminah is a very cerebral professional, very versatile. Whenever she says she wants to do something, she does it professionally. She’s very detailed, committed and loyal.”

Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, urged broadcasters to shun fake news, hate speech and adhere to broadcast codes.

Awards of excellence were also presented to distinguished personalities and brands that have shown unflinching support for AIMS Media.

Trained at the University of Ibadan, she holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication from the Leicester University, United Kingdom.

Former Publicity Secretary of University of Ibadan Alumni Association, she is also a member of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria. Muhammed is the anchor of many educational TV programmes, including Pathway to Jannah, A Spiritual Journey To Attaining Eternal Bliss.

Until her retirement in 2015, she rose through the ranks to head the programmes department of NTA Lagos.
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