Digital Empowerment: Photographers Tells Govt To Engage Members

By Our Reporter

Government has been told to richly engage members of Imo State Professionals Photographers and Videographers Association (ISPPAN), in the Digital Skills Empowerment/Training (Skill-UP Imo Project) as Resource Persons to handle the trainees on Video Editing, Photo Editing and Photography because they are core professionals.

The appeal was made by the Chairman of ISPPAN, Comr. Onyeahialam Chibueze (Lovers Multi Media) while addressing members during the official Opening of Programs and Activities of the association for 2024. The event started with a prayer and training on Digital Marketing and Open-See.

Onyeahialam begged the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who he described as a listening leader, with deep interest of youths, to involve members of ISPPAN in the ongoing Skill-UP Imo Project as Resource Persons to enable them calve a niche for themselves, indicating that they are equally breadwinners.

He observed that ISPPAN has been projecting the image of Imo State in positive light through their profession, saying government has no justification not to carry them along in the scheme of things.

“Let our youth friendly Governor, Hope Uzodimma, direct those in charge of Ministry of E- Governance and Digital Economy to fairly involve members of ISPPAN in the ongoing Skill-UP Imo Project as Resource Persons so that we take the trainees on Video Editing, Photo Editing and Photography. It will make more sense if professionals like us are brought to teach the youth on Digital Skills”, Onyeahialam stressed.

The association urged Imo people to patronize them as they are always ready to render quality service to them, hinting that prices of their working tools are costly in the market hence it called on clients not to underprice or underpay them.

“Over the years, Photographers and Videographers have been neglected in Imo State. Millions of Naira are paid to Program Organizer, DJ, Decorator, others. But Photographers and Videographers, who keep the memory of the event alive, are underpaid. The cheapest Camera in the market is #700,000. The Bricklayer with #1500 or #1000 Trowel, executes contract that worths millions of Naira. ISPPAN members should be fully recognized by the public and the government”, the Chairman requested.

Onyeahialam enjoined members of ISPPAN to ensure that they are Social Media inclined to enable them move on, regretting that the invention of Android Phones and other Digital Trends are diminishing Photography and Videography business. “All members of ISPPAN should leverage on Social Media to enable us enhance our profession. Try to open YouTube Channel, where we will establish our presence in Social Media, Sell our Products. This is why we introduced Digital Marketing Open-See”.

Noting that ISPPAN is an umbrella body that units Photographers and Videographers, protects them, Onyeahialam thanked the Resource Person and Founder, Centre for Advocacy, Awareness and Ethics, Rev. Fr. Godswill Agbagba, for taking them on Digital Marketing and Open-See training.