At Iftar Dinner, Young Journalists Tasked on Objectivity, Positive Narratives in Reportage
POLITICS DIGEST – Stakeholders have enjoined media practitioners, especially journalists, to uphold objectivity and strive to project positive narratives in their reportage.
These, they say, will aid the country’s journey to peaceful coexistence and national development.
They made the call on Sunday during a special Iftar get together organized by Arewa Agenda for Sustainable Development, a media organization for young writers and journalists from Northern Nigeria.
It was to commemorate the last ten days of this year’s Ramadan fasting.
Nafisa Ahmad Murtala, Senior Producer and Programs Manager, Express Radio, 90.3 FM Kano, noted that journalism is a very important tool for change and only advocacy rather than media war can bring out the positive light.
“You can change a lots of lives and impact many people’s lives with journalism. So, my advice for upcoming journalists is that whenever we are practicing, it should be advocacy oriented as that is the only way we can ensure synergy between Government and the masses.”
On her part, Bilkisu Ado Zango, Chairperson, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, Kano State Chapter, and Editor with Radio Kano, stressed the need for unity and collaboration among journalists in order to make their voices heard.
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Also speaking, Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, the Kano State Coordinator of The Challenge Initiative (TCI) and Coordinator Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation (AAGF), said that youths are the most important population of any nation as they are relied upon to move their country forward.
He called on all young persons to always see themselves as ambassadors of their family, tradition, culture, religion and Nation while discharging their duties,
“So, whenever you are doing anything whether you are writing or talking about your country, remember that you are her representative. wherever you go, people don’t see you alone, they see your country through you. So we should always be responsible and get involve in narratives that can push the nation forward,” he said.
While speaking, Aminu Auwal, a Development Film Maker and Director in Kannyood, tasked journalists to ensure they make use of “pull syndrome” rather than “push syndrome” in their narratives, as this will enable the subject they are reporting get a sense of belonging.
Mr. Sani Mohammed, a Development Worker and Executive Director, Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI), said media and development workers have to work together to create the needed awareness and sensitization, especially in the face of the ever increasing incidence of gender based violence.
Earlier in his opening remark, the Convener and Managing Editor, Arewa Agenda, Mr. Mohammed Dahiru Lawal, said the Iftar was organized in line with the tradition of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (SAW) in order to create an environment for unity and collaboration towards positive development, especially among journalists and relevant stakeholders.
He tasked journalists to be wary of the dangers of one single-side stories while discharging their duties.
