Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has called on journalists and social media influencers always to verify the information they churn out to members of the public.
The governor cautioned the media practitioners while inaugurating the maiden edition of Yobe Media Summit, organised by the state Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture on Saturday in Damaturu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had the theme : ” Harnessing Digital Tools for Community Impact and Engagement.”
He also advised the media practitioners to always verify information before going to the press or posting the story on social media, stressing the need for truth, professionalism and responsible digital communication.
Buni, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Mohammed Goje, said the rapid growth of internet technology had transformed the way people received information, expressed views, engaged government and participated in public affairs.
He said the transformation presented both opportunities and responsibilities to media and social media practitioners.
“Before you post, verify. Before you forward, confirm. Before you respond, understand the issue,” the governor said.
Buni urged social media practitioners to use their platforms to communicate truthfully, explain government policies clearly, and listen to citizens to strengthen public confidence.
He, however, cautioned that the speed and convenience of digital communication must not be allowed to undermine objectivity, urging practitioners to guard against fake news and disinformation.
The governor said digital government platforms should not merely be used for government to speak to citizens, but should also provide opportunities to listen to public concerns, provide accurate information and create meaningful interaction with communities.
Buni further urged practitioners to go beyond event reporting by explaining the impact of government projects and programmes on the lives of beneficiaries.
He encouraged media practitioners to develop specialised knowledge in sectors such as health, agriculture, infrastructure, housing, commerce and security to enable them to provide informed communication to the public.
The governor also called for stronger connection between digital communication and community engagement, saying practitioners should listen to farmers, young people, women, religious leaders, persons with disabilities and other members of the community.
“Technology should bring government closer to the people, not create greater distance between them,” Buni said.
He said responsible communication was particularly important in sustaining peace and development in the state, adding that truth, professionalism, respect and service should remain central to digital communication.
Earlier, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, said the summit was organised to strengthen the capacity of young social media practitioners and mainstream journalists across Yobe.
Bego said about 400 participants were attending the summit, adding that another set of 400 young media practitioners from the state’s 17 Local Government Areas would be invited for a second edition within one month.
He said the state government planned to sustain the initiative and organise at least two media summits annually.
Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Mr Aliyu Mohammed, Yobe State Radio Corporation (YBC), Mr Yusuf Isah, and Yobe State Television (YTV), Alhaji Abubakar Fada, commended the governor for supporting the media sector and enhancing the capacity of practitioners in the state.
They urged participants to actively participate in the sessions and make maximum use of the knowledge gained.
Also speaking, Mr Rajab Mohammed, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe Council, represented by the Vice Chairman, Mr Usman Nasoro, commended Bego for his support and accessibility to the media community.
Mohammed described the summit as a laudable initiative capable of promoting professional journalism, responsible digital communication, peace and development.
He reaffirmed the NUJ’s commitment to collaborating with the state government and other stakeholders to build a stronger, more professional and digitally empowered media community.
NAN reports that resource persons at the summit included Dr Musa Usman, Sub-Dean, Faculty of Communication, University of Maiduguri; Dr Lawan Cheri, Deputy Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu; and Prof. Sherrif Almuhajir, Managing Director, Yobe Microfinance Bank.
