Photo Journalists hold first national conference

THE first national conference of the Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN) themed ‘Press Photography and the Challenges of Multimedia’ will hold from December 3 to 6 in Lagos.

Chair,  PJAN 1st National Conference Planning Committee and Photo Editor, Thisday Newspaper, Abiodun Ajala disclosed this recently while briefing about activities of the meeting which will include a lecture, an exhibition, training and awards night.

He noted that though the usual practice is for photojournalists to report issues and events, they wanted Nigerians to share in the lows and highs of the body celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020.

“This incidental change of procedure is, however, necessary to professionally give, not only a good account of ourselves but also encourage fellow Nigerians and members of the international community to join us in celebrating the joys, sights, delights and colours of our artistic world of photojournalism,” Ajala said.

He added that the body had always held workshops and meetings in Lagos but decided to expand the scope to include photojournalists from within and outside Nigeria.

He disclosed that the photo exhibition, featuring well over 100 images would happen from December 3 to 5 at the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Alausa. The lecture/award night takes place the next day at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja.

Veteran photojournalist, Sunmi Smart Cole will give the keynote speech at the award night while Major-General Ike Nwachukwu will chair the occasion. Eminent Nigerians including the Chair of Vanguard Media Limited, Mr Sam Amuka Pemu, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Mr Gbenga Omotosho will also attend.

Ten deserving photojournalists would be honoured alongside two veterans “for their invaluable, inspiring and lasting contributions to photojournalism in the country” at the awards night.

On the objectives of PJAN, Ajala explained that it is “to broaden the professional horizons of photojournalism as regards getting equipped with the technological skills and innovations with which to effectively battle the challenges of multimedia.”

It will open novel opportunities to celebrate the professional achievements of fellow members as well as honour veterans who have contributed uniquely to the advancement of photojournalism in Nigeria.”