Guild Of Soft-Sell Publishers Visits Encomium Boss, Kunle Bakare

**Access Weekly, Exclusive Magazine, Newsreel, Photostory, Megastar, Others Join Guild

Reports reaching us confirm that the newly formed Guild of Soft-Sell Publishers (GoSP), set up by some thoroughbred and experienced journalists, paid a courtesy visit to the publisher of Encomium Magazine, Kunle Bakare, who is regarded as one of the fathers of the genre of journalism in Nigeria.

The group met with the multiple award-winning veteran journalist on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at his office in Ogba, Lagos.

The visit, which was on the request of Bakare, who was informed of the emergence of a new guild, had in attendance all members if GoSP.

At the brief but incisive meeting, the new guild 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 of journalism in Nigeria
3. To always be fair in the reportage of stories as stipulated by the founding fathers of journalism
4. To ensure members remain on newsstand regularly as against what is being practised by some publishers at the moment
5. To encourage young publishers to succeed in the noble profession amongst others.

In his remarks, Bakare, whose tutelage most members of GoSP learnt the trade, applauded reason for floating the guild. He admitted that the soft-sell genre of Nigeria journalism needs urgent reorientation. He pointed out that there are fake and half-baked journalists in the industry and charged members of the new group 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.

GoSP stressed that though it does not make its criteria too rigid, but members are admitted based on high level of integrity, professionalism, years of experience (at least seven years in the newsroom) and importantly, being on the newsstand regularly.

The guild acknowledged that publishing is not an easy task in Nigeria, especially with the advent of online journalism, but the group was formed to encourage young publishers to succeed in their call.

It was disclosed that apart from the fact that most all its members are graduates of reputable higher institutions, seminars would be organised to retrain members to keep them abreast of new trends in journalism.

Meanwhile, since the GoSP was formed last week, prominent Nigerians have continued to welcome the development. Also, more publishers of magazines have joined the group including 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 of Sahara Weekly, Ayobami Adedeji of UrbanLife Magazine, Ola Muhammed of Islanders International, Joshua Uloko of City Pride, Bunmi Obarotimi of Society Gazzette, Seun Fabiyi of Beth News, Foluso Samuel of The Society Nigeria, Ada Enekwa of Blissful Affairs, Sunday Adeyemi of Society Herald and Bamidele Adeyemi of Conquest Magazine.

The guild temporarily operates now from 33, Thomas Salako Street, Ogba, Lagos.