KDSG counsels journalists on developmental journalism

From Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

Kaduna state government on Wednesay counseled journalists on the need to embrace developmental journalism instead of reporting only on crimes and violence.

According to the government, today’s journalists only focus on negative incidences at the detriment of developmental reporting.

Speaking at a 3day workshop on Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) reporting organized for journalists with the Theme: KADRAMP reporting, Director General Media and Publicity to the state governor, Ahmed Maiyaki said the workshop aimed at educating media practitioners on the importance of developmental reporting.

“Without fear of contradiction, I dare say that contemporary journalism is dangerously tilted to celebrating negative incidences at the detriment of developmental reporting. A simple content analysis of our major dailies and broadcast stations would reveal the fact that reports on negative occurrences such as violence, crimes, fraud e.t.c enjoy a huge dominance of headlines and air time.

“As professionals we must also not forget the social responsibility aspect as well as the ethics of our practice. To contribute meaningfully to developing any community, the media must embrace

development reporting by highlighting the needs of the people as well as how much has been achieved in changing their lives for the better,” he said.

Ahmed Maiyaki explained that very little has been reported on development projects executed in rural communities across the Kaduna state, noting that instead journalists are quick to report few

violent acts in some communities.

“Very little has been published on positive issues of agric transformation, rural electrification, provision of clean water and several other government interventions that have positive touched on

the lives of the people,” he said.

He further commended the organizers of the workshop for a job well done.

In his remarks, RAMP National Coordinator, Engineer Olorunwa Obandoma said RAMP project was sponsored by World bank.

According to him, the workshop was organized for journalists so as to inform them of the activities of RAMP in the state.

Also while declaring the workshop open, the state commissioner for Works, Bashir Aliyu represented by Acting Director Civil Engineering Department, Mohammad Badamasi Ibrahim said important of RAMP is Kaduna cannot be over emphasize because the project has a growing impact on the people of the state, particularly on provision of access roads.