Some stakeholders in journalism stated this during the public presentation of a book written in honour of renowned Professor of Mass Communication, Ralph Akinfeleye.
The event, held at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos, Akoka, had bigwigs in the industry.
The book with the title “Issues in fourth and fifth estates of the realm” highlights the academic works of the eminent Professor of Mass communication.
In a remark, the Chairman, National Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who praised the contributions of Professor Akinfeleye to journalism, appealed to stakeholders to uphold the ethics of the profession before quacks hijack it.
“Everybody is not a journalist, is everyone qualified to be a journalist and how do we maintain the dignity of the profession? That is why we need to study this book.”
Also contributing, a broadcast journalist and media executive, Mr John Momoh, a student of the Professor, described him as a rare breed, friendly teacher and one of the pioneers of African journalism.
“He was my teacher, later my wife’s lecture. So it is a privilege to share this podium with Professor Ralph Akinfeleye'” Mr. Momoh stated.
Earlier in an address, the Honouree, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye called on journalists, now political office holders, to ensure they sanitise the profession.
He added that “Young journalist should not be discouraged because of the relatively low renumeration”
Reviewers of the book, former Presidential Media aide Dr Reuben Abati and a veteran journalist, Mr Martins Oloja, said the work contained ethical issues in journalism.
The presentation of the nine hundred-page book had in attendance academics, former and present students of Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, and political office holders.