By Longtong Ibrahim
Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF), a Kaduna based media development organization is planning series of training programs for journalists in Kaduna State among which include Media clinic and the Kaduna Social media Engagement Day. These programs are aimed at enhancing the capacity of journalists.
Briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Kaduna – northwest Nigeria, AMDF Coordinator, Mrs. Sekyen Dadik, said the Kaduna Social media Engagement Day would come up next week’s Thursday 18th May, 2017; explaining that, the training would highlight the importance of social media especially in the dissemination of information to a large audience.
According to her, the activity will feature two paper presentations and a panel discussion on how the media professionals and Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been using the social media effectively – with a view to improving their impact. She added that, the program targets Managers from mainstream media, Online publishers, Reporters, program producers, program presenters; CSOs, Government agencies, and Private sector businesses using social media for communications activities.
“The place of social media in the society today cannot be ignored – while journalism is known as the fourth estate of the realm, today world over, the social media is termed the fifth estate of the realm,” Mrs. Dadik pointed out.
While noting that AMDF had the opportunity to train journalists in online journalism, Peace Journalism, Development Journalism, among other training, the Coordinator said, the Media Clinic program is an annual event which brings together Media Executives, Media Practitioners, and Development Partners to discuss issues that affect the media and proffer possible solutions.
“AMDF had sought partnership from organizations with interest in social media and they are forthcoming.
“We recognize you, the media also as our partners and major stakeholders in achieving our desired outcomes for the Social media engagement, and we will continue to count on your support to succeed,” she added.
AMDF is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that supports journalists, media development and promotes freedom of the press. It activities includes; Training, advocacy, research, coordination and information sharing.