The 9th African Conference on Development Journalism has opened in Kaduna, North West Nigeria with a call for the media to strengthen its role in promoting Inclusive development across the continent.
Executive Director of the Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF, organisers of the conference, Sekyen Dadik said this year’s theme ” Media, Inclusive Development: A Call To Action For Africa’s Future”, reflects the urgent need that amplify marginalised voices, support equitable growth and hold leaders accountable.
Sekyen Dadik
She noted that the conference coincides with the International Day of persons with disabilities with first bi- session dedicated to advancing disabilities inclusion through media.
While welcoming the participants, Dadik told them that the 2 days of dialogue is aimed at using journalism to drive development, promote transparency and inspire solutions across the continent.
She expressed appreciation to partners including WADATA Media and Advocacy Centre, Sightsavers Nigeria, MTN, Kaduna State Media Corporation, KSMC and Daily Trust Foundation for supporting the conference.
In a paper titled “Amplifying Voices Bridging Gaps, the Role of Media Shaping Inclusive Africa”, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki highlighted the media’s responsibility in ensuring that all groups are represented, especially marginalized communities.
Ahmed Maiyaki
Inclusive storytelling, Maiyaki emphasized, remains essential for Africa’s progress.
A lecturer at the University of Abuja, Dr Jamila Dahiru who spoke on “Framing Integrity Through Strategic Communication: Case Study of AGILE and the Safe School Initiatives Program in Bauchi State, described communication as a tool for social change.
She urged the media to discard sensationalism for solution journalism to create more constructive public discourse and empower communities towards solving social issues.
Dr Dahiru said in a context like Nigeria, especially in the North, the prevailing insecurity, poverty, gender inequality, institutional fragility and issues of corruption, needed to be brought forward for transparent strategic communication.
Dr Dahiru who noted the continued decline in public trust towards the institutions that govern them, said Strategic communication would shape perception, legitimacy and citizens participation .
“We are no more talking about passive audiences but active audiences. So there is need for active participation, dialogue and problem solving, rather than top-down information dissemination as being done”, She said.
Presenting a paper titled, “Shaping Africa’s Climate Future, The Transformative Power of Inclusive Media”, the Executive Director, Bridge That Gap Initiative, Gloria Kasang Bulus urged the media to amplify voices that are silent and hold powers accountable .
She also stressed the need to use journalism not just to inform but to transform adding that Africa’s future depends on the narrative the media created today.
The conference, apart from presentations, is featuring panel sessions, Awards and Networking.
