As part of efforts to keep members informed on emerging issues, enhance professional skills and promote journalism scholarship through book publications and research, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has inaugurated its Research, Training and Publications Committee.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday, signed by the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba; and the General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh.

According to the statement, the committee is chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna.

The committee comprises seasoned journalists and media professionals drawn from media management, academia and publishing.

Other members of the committee are Fellow of the Guild and former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun, Dr Tony Onyima; Fellow of the Guild and Founder/CEO of Omalicha FM, Owerri, Angela Agoawike; Senior Editor/Member of Editorial Board, THISDAY, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren; and the Editor, Weekend Guardian, Dr Kabir Alabi Garba.

Speaking at the inauguration, the President of the NGE, Eze Anaba, said the Guild would take the assignment of the committee seriously and, therefore, carefully constituted it to reflect a healthy blend of academic scholarship and industry experience.

He stressed the need to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice in Nigeria’s media industry.

According to him, the committee’s work is expected to strengthen journalism practice and help to address the disconnect that often exists between journalism education and the realities of newsroom operations.

Outlining the committee’s terms of reference, Anaba said the body would conduct and support research on issues relevant to journalism and media practice, including studies on readership, viewership and listenership trends.

He added that the committee would also develop and deliver training programmes to enhance the skills and knowledge of journalists and media professionals.

Responding on behalf of the committee, its chairman and Fellow of the Guild, Prof. Okunna, described the initiative as timely and significant.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Editors’ House, Ikeja, Lagos, was attended by the Guild’s General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh; Assistant General Secretary, Gabriel Akinadewo; and Rose Moses, a member of the Guild’s Standing Committee representing the West.

The committee will serve a two-year term.