IPP Executive Chairman Dr Reginald Mengi (C) addresses delegation of Moshi University College of Cooperative and Business Studies (MUCCoBS) students when the latter visited IPP Media outlets at Michocheni in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday. Flanking him are, The Guardian Limited Managing Director Kiondo Mshana (L) and ITV/Radio One Managing Director Joyce Mhaville. (All photos: Tryphone Mweji)

IPP Executive Chairman Dr Reginald Mengi has called on youths to ‘dream big’ and confidently work hard to achieve their goals.

He said this when speaking to a delegation of students from Moshi University College of Cooperative and Business Studies (MUCCoBS) during their official tour of IPP Media outlets in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.

Dr Mengi sounded the advice when responding to questions on measures being taken to overcome unemployment problem facing majority of youths in the country.

The IPP boss said many people were poor due to fear of risking their lives. “In fact, life is full of risks. Even crossing a road is risky. So, there is no need to hesitate. If one wants to succeed, one must take risks,” he stressed, noting that success requires one to have faith and confidence.

“Youth must always learn to dream big because when you dream big, you will never be worried about the risks in your life. Remember, life is full of risks and there is no way you can avoid them,” Dr Mengi explained.

Regarding the circulation of newspapers to remote areas, he said that IPP Media aimed to inform everybody, ‘but poor infrastructure hinders distribution of newspapers to rural areas’.

However, Mengi said IPP has introduced broadcast media in order to reach and serve people who cannot access newspapers, including those living in remote and rural areas.

Mengi refuted claims that he interferes with editorial freedom of IPP Media outlets, explaining that, as proprietor, he only appoints qualified managers, who work freely in accordance with professional and ethical standards.

“I don’t control the operation of my media outlets apart from appointing heads of companies. After the appointment, I leave them to work according to their professions because I know the media should undertake duties freely,” he clarified.

Earlier, the Guardian Limited managing director Kiondo Mshana and ITV/Radio One managing director Joyce Mhavile briefed members of the MUCCoBS delegation on daily operations of IPP Media outlets.

Patrick Ngwila, head of the delegation that comprised sixteen students who were accompanied by one lecturer, expressed his appreciation to the IPP Executive Chairman for giving students chance to exchange ideas with various media personnel and also a rare opportunity to get to know daily operations of electronic and print media.

Dr Mengi extended the invitation to visit IPP Media outlets to MUCCoBS students on May, 18 this year at the MUCCoBS Career Day where he was the chief guest.