Journalists urged to up focus on developmental issues

By Stanley Onyekwere

Media practitioners have been implored to focus on developmental issues in their reportage, as part of their contribution to the advancement of the society.
According to a media strategist and former Head of Northern Operations, TVC, Mr. Dapo Okubanjo, who gave this advice, the media has the task of keeping tap on issues critical to the development of any society.
Okubanjo, in his presentation on the Presidential directives and role of the media, at a Media Retreat for FCT Minister’s Press Corps at the weekend, said the media should intensify agenda setting, to enable government achieve its onerous task of delivering on the presidential mandate for the FCT.
He observed that for the 12 presidential deliverables to be achieved in record time, the media, especially members of the Press Corps must keep the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, and his deputy, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, on their toes without being unnecessarily antagonistic.
Similarly, the Director of FCT Security Services, Adamu Gwary, advised the press to ensure extensive coverage of activities of security agencies to assure the residents of their safety.
Gwary who was represented at the retreat by the Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Mr. Peter Olumuji, urge the media to end the culture of fear among the residents by shinning the spotlight on the success recorded.
According to him, “The media should report more on the achievement of the security agencies in order to inform the people and also show them that there are consequences for every crime they commit.
“Let people see that criminals are actually prosecuted and it will assure many of their safety and discourage others from crime.”
Earlier while declaring the retreat open, the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, who was represented by his Chief of Staff,commended the media for their role in promoting the tenet of democracy in Nigeria.