The veteran journalist, Sir Eddy Aina, has advised young and aspiring journalists to read, learn, and stay passionate about the field of journalism.

He gave the advice during the NIPR Annual Colloquium held recently in Abeokuta, while interacting with student journalists from Edunright Media, who are Mass Communication students of Gateway (ICT) Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), currently undergoing their SIWES training.

Sir Eddy Aina, renowned for his decades of excellence in broadcasting and media training, spoke extensively on how students can prepare themselves for a successful career in journalism.

He emphasized that passion remains the foundation of every great journalist, describing it as the driving force that sustains one through the challenges of the profession.

“Passion matters a lot. Once you have passion for anything, you will become a good journalist,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of reading as a vital part of journalistic growth, noting that a good journalist must be well-informed and curious about different subjects.

According to him, students should pay attention to English and Literature, as these subjects help improve vocabulary, comprehension, and writing ability — all essential tools for communication professionals.

Sir Eddy Aina also encouraged students to learn foreign languages such as French and acquire basic mathematical skills, explaining that journalists often deal with numbers and data when analyzing stories.

He concluded by urging young journalists to remain disciplined, hardworking, and eager to learn, stressing that continuous self-improvement is the key to lasting success in the media industry.

The GAPOSA student journalists described the experience as inspiring and educational, adding that the interaction with Sir Eddy Aina deepened their passion and commitment to pursuing journalism as a lifelong career.