In line with its vision to become a centre for quality education directed at preparing future leaders in government, industry, academics and the professions, the management of Green Park Academy, Benin City, headed by Mr Overy K. Cletus, on Thursday, March 28, 2024 took the Pre-Montessori to Basic 5 pupils of the school on an excursion to The Nigerian Observer on Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State capital.
The excursion was undertaken to expose the pupils to the processes of newspaper production.
The pupils were accompanied by some staff members of the school, including Mrs Otoikhila Mercy, Mrs Jennifer Donnis, Mrs Blessing Omosuyi, and Mrs Ese Ufuoma.
The pupils and staff were warmly received by the Managing Editor/Ag. Managing Director of The Nigerian Observer, Mr. Osa Victor Obayagbona, who gave the pupils a lecture on the processes of newspaper production, from news idea generation to the time the newspaper hits the newsstands.
Mr. Obayagbona said The Nigerian Observer stands for truth and aims to educate, entertain, and disseminate information. He said the newspaper believes in balanced reportage of news, both local and international, and covers several beats such as politics, education, business and economy, lifestyle, aviation, health and environment, entertainment, religion, sports, among others.
The Ag. Managing Director explained to the pupils that to be a journalist, studying Mass Communication is a great advantage. However, those who did not study Mass Communication in the university can still make good journalists if they have the passion, but they have to put their heads down to learn the rudiments of the profession.
The pupils were given access to see the different sections of The Nigerian Observer, including the newsroom, which harbours both journalists and graphics designers/page planners, the printing presses, and other sections.
In the newsroom, Mr. Obayagbona taught the pupils how news is processed, from when journalists submit the reports to the last stage of production, which is printing and collation.
The children were excited to walk around the building and many were happy to be given the privilege to see some devices they had not come in contact with before, like the Web Machine for newspaper production; the Speed Master Machine for the production of all kinds of books, and the Large Format Machine for the production of banners of any size.
At the printing press, the children were taught that the printing press has three units that make up a complete press for production – the pre-press, the press, and the post-press.
The pre-press is where the process of assembling and editing a newspaper, magazine, journal, or book, etc take place, while the post-press is where the main printing is done. The plates prepared at the pre-press are exported to the machine for print. This is also where all print jobs are taken for cutting, collating, packaging, folding, trimming, etc.
The children saw the ultra-modern x74 Speed Master printing machine, which is used for printing calendars, brochures, magazines, posters, newsletters, souvenirs, pamphlets, books, memo pads, and more. They were also taught the Large Format press produces precision quality jobs of all sizes on flex material, SAV, window graphics, vehicle branding, T-shirt, fez caps, and more.
The pupils, having learnt a lot, could attest to the fact that the excursion was indeed a wonderful experience as it has made a significant impact on their lives.
Sharing their experience, some of the Basic 5 pupils of the school, Aifua Osagie Samuel, Ehigiator Oseahumwen, and Itoadan Ehigiahe, said they were excited being part of the excursion and would love to return if given the opportunity.
The directresses and other staff of the school who were present expressed their appreciation to The Nigerian Observer for the time and patience invested in educating the pupils.
