The newly formed Guild of Soft-Sell Publishers (GoSP) populated by thoroughbred Journalists and media practitioners on Saturday August 22, 2015 paid a courtesy visit to one of the fathers of soft sell Journalism in Nigeria and publisher of respected Celebrity Journal, Encomium Magazine, Mr. Olakunle Bakare.
The courtesy visit which was on the request of Mr. Olakunle Bakare who had been informed of the emergence of a new group of soft sell publishers had in attendance all GoSP mmbers.
At the brief but incisive meeting, the (GoSP) highlighted reasons for forming a new group which are;
1.To redefine soft sell journalism in Nigeria
2.To reawaken the spirit of the genre in Nigeria Journalism
3.To always be fair in our reportage of stories by hearing from the two sides
4.Since the Guild is not formed for financial benefit but the passion for the job which is our guiding principle it is mandated that publications of members must always be on the news stand
5.To encourage young publishers to succeed in this noble profession amongst others
Mr. Kunle Bakare our chief host and under whose tutelage most of our members grew applauded our intentions. He agreed the soft sell genre of Nigeria journalism need an urgent reorientation. He pointed out that their are fake and half baked journalists in the industry and advised we do all within our powers to rid the industry of unqualified journalists rubbishing the image of the profession. He, however, advocated for a united union saying the industry is too small to have fractions.Thus, he would ensure we all thrash the issues in few days time.
To set the record straight, GoSP are not publishers without publications. The criteria for becoming a member is not rigid, we accommodate journalists who are known with high level of integrity, professionalism and have practiced and been in the newsroom for at least seven years. Publishing a journal is not an easy task in Nigeria especially with the advent of online journalism, that is why we as a group decided to encourage young publishers to succeed in their call. Apart from the fact that our members are graduates from reputable Universities, Polytechnics Colleges of Educations in Nigeria, we intend to always organise training, seminars and workshops for our members which is the usual practice around the world.
Meanwhile because of our intention in forming Guild of Soft Sell Publishers, prominent Nigerians who are doing well in their professions have being calling to identify with us. Our membership has also increased few days we formed GoSP, we have as new members, Access Weekly, published by Sola Olugbemiro who is also the CEO Nigeria Media Nite Awards, Exclusive Magazine, published by Omooba Damilare, Newsreel Magazine, published by respected journalist Thompson John, Photostory published by veteran photojournalist Bolaji Olasunkanmi and Megastar by veteran Photo journalist, Ifetayo Adeniyi/
Other members of GoSP are Femi Oyewale – Sahara Weekly, Ayobami Adedeji – UrbanLife Magazine, Ola Muhammed – Islanders International, Joshua Uloko – City Pride, Bunmi Obarotimi – Society Gazzette, Seun Fabiyi – Beth News, Foluso Samuel – The Society Nigeria, Ada Enekwa – Blissful Affairs, Sunday Adeyemi – Society Herald and Bamidele Adeyemi – Conquest Magazine. Our temporary office address is at 33, Thomas Salako Street Ogba Lagos