The Photo Journalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN)has been urged to collaborate with major stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Information and other relevant agencies, to establish a photography bank that will preserve their works

This call was made at the weekend by the former director of Tell Magazine, Chief Babarinsa Dare, during an annual symposium and award ceremony organized by PJAN, held at NUJ Lagos State Council Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Chef Dare, who was speaking as the guest speaker on the theme: Restoring our Pride: The Role of Photojournalists in National Discourse, regretted that pictures and images of past events were not kept properly due to lack of a photo bank.

“You are the keepers of national memories. Photographs tell more stories than reporting “.

“There is need to create national picture archives to preserve our memories.”

He regretted that some of the works of our legendary photographers, like Peter Obe and others, had been lost due to non-preservation.

He reminded Photojournalists that they are an important part of journalism. “Photojournalists take more risks than reporters, particularly during wars and disasters. Photographs capture for eternity.” He added.

He advised journalists to brace up for the new challenges, adding that the profession has lost most of their audience to the “siren of social media”

“Circulation is dead; you must be prepared to survive. Things can be done differently, and we must work very hard to bring back our lost audience,” he stated.

Also in her welcome address, the chairman of Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), Princess Alaba Igbaroola, admonished Photojournalists to continue to use their work to challenge stereotypes and celebrate triumph, noting that their work is crucial in “restoring dignity and pride to their community.”

Photojournalists, she said, are more than photographers.

Also speaking at the event, the Life Patron of Photojournalists Association of Nigeria ( PJAN) and former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, commended one of the awardees, the publisher of Vanguard Newspapper Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, for his immense contributions to the journalism profession

Osoba who presented PJAN Award of Excellence to the Vanguard publisher described him as a private person, adding that “the only award that Amuka_Pemu has taken “is that of NUJ and PJAN, which shows the great respect he has for the profession.

Responding, the Vanguard publisher thanked PJAN for the honour bestowed on him.

He said, “Without photojournalists, there will be no hard copy newspapers. You are the dictionary,” he added.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Deputy National President of NUJ, Dr Abimbola Oyetunde, hailed PJAN for organizing the capacity building event. She pledged support of NUJ leadership to the association.

Also in his goodwill message, the chairman of NUJ Lagos State Council, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, commended PJAN for organizing the symposium, which he said has become an annual event.

He advised PJAN members to acquire more skills in writing and digital technology to enable them become more relevant in the profession.

Among those that were honoured were Mr Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding & Communication Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, the guest speaker and former director of Tell Magazine, Chief Dare Babarinsa, CEO Media craft Associates, Mr John Ehiguese and others.