By Angela Agoawike
As a university undergraduate writing my project for a BA degree in History (in the last century, that is!), I had chosen to work on the topic: Women in Politics, Mrs. Margaret Ekpo as a case study.
Gathering information was no walk in the park. It took me from Uturu (Abia State University), to the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and the University of Port Harcourt libraries. I also interviewed traditional elders, such as then Nze Louis Onwunali from Obowo. I pored through old copies of Renaissance newspaper, in my teacher-dad’s private library, and as well, copies of Times International (Daily Times) and Newsweek, that my brother and I used to buy with our pocket money.
The icing on the cake? I travelled all the way to Calabar, Cross River State, to interview the woman herself – Margaret Udo Ekpo. All my hard work paid off, as I scored well for my project work. But that was then – in the last century.
Today, the method and style of research have evolved. Writing my capstone paper for a second Master’s degree in Energy Policy of the University of Sussex at the beginning of this decade, I did not have to crisscross continents for my research. The internet was up and active, and I used it well.
I remember one of the instructors, after going through one of my assignments, said something that gladdened my heart – you research well. Well, why not? Researching information gives me quite a level of satisfaction, and I love doing it.
Recently, the Eze Anaba-led Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, inaugurated the Guild’s Research, Training and Publications Committee. As a member of that Committee, I will serve, doing what I love to do, and that will be alongside respected media scholars – Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, deputy vice chancellor of Paul University, Awka, who is Chairperson, Dr Tony Onyima, former MD of Sun newspapers, Dr Kabir Alaba Garba, editor of Weekend Guardian, and Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, editor of ThisDay, the Nation’s capital.
The inauguration, which took place at the NGE House, Lagos, was performed by the NGE President, ably supported by the Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, managing director of The Sun, Assistant Secretary Gabriel Akinadewo, and Standing Committee member, my sister Rose Moses.
Looking forward to serving the Guild and, by extension, the Nigerian media.