By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a strong call for professionalism, creativity, and empathy in media practice, warning that journalism is not a career path for the intellectually lazy.
Speaking during a one-day media masterclass organized by the Federal Ministry of Interior on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja, themed “Beyond the Press Statement: Media as a Tool for Public Engagement,” the Minister urged journalists and public relations officers (PROs) within the Ministry to embrace innovation and adopt a people-centered approach in their reporting.
“There are two professions that do not accommodate laziness — media and law,” he stated. “If you are intellectually lazy, the media is not for you.”
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the need for a shift in public perception, especially regarding uniformed officers under the Ministry of Interior, noting that many Nigerians have already formed negative opinions due to years of abuse and poor communication.
“You have the biggest task — to correct that perception,” he charged the participants. “People already have a settled view about you. It is your responsibility to change that narrative through professionalism and empathy.”
The Minister emphasized the end of information hoarding in the digital age, describing information as “oxygen” in today’s society. He urged communicators within the Ministry to move beyond reactive press releases and embrace proactive advocacy.
“Press releases are reactive. Advocacy makes you proactive,” he noted. “When you communicate, do it with empathy. You’re paid with taxpayers’ money; you’re not doing Nigeria a favor. Always keep that in mind.”
Using the example of a tragic fire outbreak involving fatalities, Tunji-Ojo reminded journalists and PROs to avoid cold, detached reporting and instead convey human emotion and compassion in their work.
“In cases involving loss of life, don’t write as if it ‘just happened.’ Show empathy — let your words reflect the human cost,” he said.
The workshop brought together media professionals from various agencies under the Ministry, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service, all of whom were urged to increase public engagement through transparent and empathetic storytelling.
Concluding his address, the Minister left the participants with a challenge:
“I hope you will be patient enough to learn, sincere enough to assimilate, and courageous enough to exhibit whatever you’ve learned.”