Nigerian’s Ace Publisher of Ovation magazine and one time Presidential aspirant –Dele Momodu recently penned a letter to Nigerian socialites on their inappropriate relations with the press and vice versa . The Man of Many letters ( as he is well known ) took to his instagram page recently to air his grievances .

ANOTHER PASSIONATE APPEAL TO NIGERIANS…
Once again, I’m compelled to write a letter to my fellow Nigerians. This time, I wish to plead with those who see the media as a work of charity. Almost on daily basis, I receive invitation cards from friends asking us to cover birthdays, weddings, business launch, funerals, housewarming, and other such lavish events. We all love to show off the grace of GOD in our lives, which was the main reason we set up Ovation International magazine in 1996.
Such events gulp thousands of USD. Their budgets include events planning, venues, food & beverage, lights & sound, comperes, artists, photography/videography, hotels, engineers, fabrics & fashion designers, makeup, security, car hires, jewelry & accessories, etc. The only aspect they often forget in the huge budget is the most important, MEDIA. They treat Media as the “lamb of GOD who takes away the sins of the world…” This is most unfortunate.

“They treat Media as the “lamb of GOD who takes away the sins of the world…” This is most unfortunate.

There are various reasons for the manner journalists are so shabbily treated. Most journalists do not treat their work as business. They lack business acumen. They are forced to publish negative stories in order to attract attention and patronage. Most people hardly remember to say “thank you” when you write positive stories but your phones will start buzzing within minutes of publishing negative stories. The public appearance and carriage of a journalist matter. You’re usually measured by your personality and charisma, or lack of it.
My appeal is that every event must include media budget. We have huge bills to pay; salaries, flights, road transportation, expensive cameras and gadgets, production, food & accommodations, risks to lives & properties, and so on. It is most unfair to pay for all services and refuse to pay ours.

At Ovation, we have kept our heads high and our standards unmatched by any other. We are very grateful to those who appreciate Media BUSINESS. Top on the list is the Chairman of Globalcom, DR MIKE ADENUGA Jr.. His endless interventions have sustained many media companies and young African artists. But for the benevolence of GLO, many of our hardworking colleagues will still be living on peanuts, and in penury…