Journalism, Indeed A Steppingstone: The Case Of The Inquirer Newspaper At 29

By Atty Philip N. Wesseh (PNW)

Managing Editor

Many times people refer to the field of journalism as a “steppingstone” for some reasons. They believe that this is a profession in which people who find themselves there today, may venture into other professions after acquiring additional education in other fields. In other words, those who are in the journalism profession may not end up as journalists but in other positions or fields of life.
A STEPPINGSTONE, as it is known, “is a stone on which to step; a means of progress or advancement.” It is also defined “as an end or means by which an end may be accomplished or an object gained, an assistance to progress.”
In addition, it is “an action or event that helps one to make progress toward a specific goal.” To sum it up, steppingstone is that which one uses to leapfrog. However, this should not suggest that journalism is not a good profession to contribute to the growth and development of society, but as a profession which is considered as the “multiplicity of other disciplines,” it prepares one for future challenges.
At The Inquirer Newspaper, which is the oldest and only surviving post-war independent newspaper in this country, since its establishment on January 15, 1991, it continues to experience the issue of steppingstone through some of its programs and activities, especially its internship and vacation school programs for high school and college students.
The paper was founded by a group of young Liberian media practitioners, many of whom chewed their teeth with the Daily Observer, Liberia’s first daily independent newspaper. The INQUIRER’s first Managing Editor was then youthful Gabriel I.H. Williams now a diplomat, my former schoolmate, who has now authored two critical books.
Gladly to note, one of the things that this newspaper can vaingloriously brag about is the number of young persons from some of its programs who have advanced themselves educationally and are positively making contributions in various aspects of life in society.
Among those persons, some of whom were in their teens when they drank from the intellectual fountain of The Inquirer and later pursued higher education are

Dr. Kimmie Weeks, a youth advocate; former editor

Cllr. Mark Bedor Wla Freeman, Chairman, Independent Information Commission (IIC);

J. Wesley Washington, Liberian /Foreign Service;

Dr. Charles Ansumana, a scientist, who came from Lott Carey High School on the vacation school program;

Josephus Moses Gray, an instructor at the graduate program at the University of Liberia;

Atty Augustine Choloply, Administrative Manager, Independent INQUIRER;

Isaac Solo Kelgbeh, former Sports Editor, now Press Secretary to President George Weah and physically-challenged

Varney Sirleaf, now an IT specialist at the Liberian Institute of Public Administration (LIPA).
Others are precocious

Phil Dixon, Deputy Labor Minister;

Patience Welma Blaye-Sampson, an Assistant Minister, Ministry of Labor;

Boima J. Boima, Deputy Director, Liberian Broadcasting System (LBS);

Charles Yates, publisher of Integrity Watch;

Gloria Voker-Mulbah, UL graduate, now resident in the USA; Sediki Trawally, now with the West African Pool, an electricity project;

Matthew Heston Jackson, a media consultant;

Michael Gebeh, a law school student and

Antoinette Sendolo, a student, Cuttington Graduate School.
The list includes

Rose Saulwas, a media consultant;

C. Winnie Saywah-Jimmy, acting News Editor, the Inquirer;

Jennie Fallah-Wounuah, Advertising Officer;

Webster Cassell, Communication/FOI officer, Gender Ministry;

Lovetee Waynewhere, the Inquirer; former sports editor, student, United Methodist University;

Lincoln Barcon, student University of Liberia and Legislative Reporter, Independent INQUIRER and Michael Wah, student, law school.
On the list also are

Alexander Karvonzeah, from Dianna E. Davies who benefitted from the vacation school program now studies at AME University and

Isaac Yeah, communication officer, Liberian foreign service, Naomi Saydee, Coordinator of the Joint Project on Rural Women Economic Empowerment at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection;

Francis Pelenah, recent graduate of the China Africa Press Center Media Exchange Fellowship;

Gerald Dan Yeakula, recent graduate, Law School with honors now at CENTAL;

James Paye, MBA in Banking and Finance and

Janjay F. Campbell, former Legislative reporter, Inquirer and Mambu James Kpargoi.
Others who obtained higher education abroad, include

S.Togba Slewion, now Chairperson of the Social Works Department, UMU;

Jackson Seton, math instructor, USA;

Jarwinken Weah, Executive Officer, Emancipation Movement of Liberia (EMOL) a non-governmental organization that is registered in the United States and Liberia;

James Momoh, who runs a Diabetes program, with a branch in Liberia;

Charles Crawford, Executive Director for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding,

Melissa Annan,

Alva Wolokollie, Augustine Gebeh and

Emmanuel Savice, an advocate for War Crimes Court in Liberia; who are all now residing abroad.
As the newspaper which is one of the pride of this country, celebrates 29 years of existence, it can hold its heads high for the opportunity being provided to those who are associating or associated with it for the progress they have made.
Over the years, the paper, besides its traditional functions of informing, educating and entertaining, has inspired young people to noble heights; and are making contributions to society. It is because of their role that the THE INQUIRER continues to be on the newsstand.
Unarguably, these present or former employees need to be recognized on this day, as the little they contributed or rev contributing get the paper where it is today, as the oldest and only surviving independent newspaper inn post-war Liberia. When the newspaper was founded as the first independent newspaper, there were other newspapers that came on the newsstand. Howbeit, today, it is only THE INQUIRER, as a post-war newspaper that is still on the market, despite the many security and economic challenges.
On this 29th anniversary, we remain grateful to God for His guidance, protection and many blessings over the years. It is not because of our strength and might, but the Mercy of God for making THE INQUIRER to be on the market.
As we said in our first editorial, we would always remain “committed’ to professional journalism by serving the interest of society or MOTHER LIBERIA.
Bravo or kudos to the former and present employees for making history.
I Rest My case.