By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Associate Professor of Journalism and Director of Digital Media Research Center, Lagos State University, Dr Tunde Akanni, has enjoined the Nigerian journalists to embrace developmental journalism and report several positive innovations which highlight Nigeria’s unique achievements to the rest of the world.
The media expert gave the advice recently in Lagos, at the closing ceremony of a two-day workshop, organised for journalists, with the theme: “Emergency and Risk Communication Reporting Workshop” by the Victim Support Fund (VSF) COVID-19 Task Force.
Akanni said the call for journalists to embrace developmental journalism was both timely and essential. “Developmental journalism emphasises the role of the media in promoting social progress, economic development, and community empowerment, by focusing on positive innovations and Nigeria’s unique achievements,” he added.
He noted that journalists could contribute significantly to a more balanced narrative about the nation. “They should seek out and report on individuals, organisations, and communities that are making significant contributions to society,” he said.
He noted that with the aid of developmental journalism, Nigerian media could play pivotal roles in fostering a culture of positivity, resilience, and innovation, and ultimately portraying a more comprehensive view of Nigeria’s potential and achievements to the world. “Through strategic storytelling and community engagement, journalists can help drive the narrative toward a more prosperous and forward-looking future,” he said.
Akanni stated that the world was in a period of media abundance and media convergence, hence the need for media experts to strive to put out the right and accurate information.
He stressed that the ICT revolution had enabled everyone with smart phones to report news events real time, hence the need for the traditional media practitioners to up-skill and retool to remain relevant.
“How supportive are journalists to things that can improve our system? We must recognise the fact that it is only through the mass media that the generality of the people can have access to authoritative information that is particularly important in this era,” he noted.
The media expert, who was the lead lecturer, said the workshop x-rayed the role of the media during the COVID-19 pandemic, how VSF helped and what should be done in preparation for future viral diseases
He commended the VSF for filling the vacuum of coverage during the pandemic and taking further steps to train journalists to equip them for the future.
On his part, former spokesperson, Victim Support Fund,(VSF),Committee, Alkasim Abdulkadir, said the training was important because of the prevalence of pandemics.
Abdulkadir said during COVID-19, the media made significant contributions, as jingles were made and translated to local languages for better communication. “But presently, issues about pandemic are under-reported; the case of monkeypox is a good example.
“It means that the retooling and up-skilling of reporters and content creators is very important. They have to be adequately equipped for them to be able to do their jobs.
“Media professionals should be able to learn the strategies of reaching audiences on how they should take care of themselves whenever there is an outbreak of any pandemic,” he said.
He launched a book “No need for Alarm” during the event, saying it was written to serve as a guide to journalists.
He said the 131-page book published by VSF, contained ideas, concepts, plans and strategies for reporters to reach their target audience in the reportage of pandemics.
Chairman of the Lagos Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Mr Adeleye Ajayi, unveiled the book while expressing gratitude to VSF for the initiative.
Ajayi said that the book would teach journalists how to play safe during crises, while urging journalists to always uphold professional ethics.
“We must be factual; our stories must be timely and current. Our story must be relevant, accurate, balanced, clear, concise, and interesting,” he said.