The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), successfully organized a two-day intensive training workshop for Local Government Information Officers and New Media Aides of the 27 Local Government Council Chairmen.
Read Also: NUJ Jigawa Inaugurates Technical Committee For The Establishment Of Owned Online Media
The workshop was conducted under the supervision of Comrade Sani Labaran Salisu, the Chairman Committee on Training and Education.
Theme: “Responsible Information Dissemination in the Digital Era: The Role of Information Officers/New Media Aides in the State.”
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a two-day training workshop organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Jigawa State Council in Collaboration with the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) for Local Government Information Officers and Media Aides of the 27 LGA Council Chairmen, Held on 20th -21st August in Dutse. Jigawa State.
Read Also: NUJ FCT Condemns Harassment of NTA Reporter by MD of NRC
The communique jointly signed by Comrade Ismail Ibrahim Dutse Chairman, NUJ Jigawa State Council and Sani Labaran Salisu
Chairman, Committee on Training and Education, NUJ Jigawa State Council and Comrade Aminu Umar Shuwajo Acting Secretary, NUJ Jigawa State Council, said this workshop aimed to build capacity, enhance professional knowledge, and strengthen the role of information managers at the local government level, equipping them to face the challenges of today’s information landscape.
It stated that over the two days, participants engaged in a series of lectures and discussions led by experienced professionals and scholars, featuring the following topics:
1. Crisis Communication and Reputation Management in Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Local Government Councils in Jigawa State
By Abdullahi Bawada, ANIPR
2. Ethical and Responsible Reporting
By Sabo Abdullahi Guri
3. Digital Journalism and Social Media Management
By Sani Labaran Salisu
4. News Reporting and Translation Techniques
By Muhammad Husseini Kwalam
5. The Rise of Audio Content: A New Era of Storytelling and Engagement
By Yakubu Garba
6. Effective Use of Social Media in Safeguarding Individual Rights and National Security
By a Representative of the DSS, Jigawa State Command
The communique further said following comprehensive discussions, practical sessions, and interactive exchanges, the workshop reached several key resolutions:
1. Strengthening Capacity:
The training significantly improved the knowledge and professional skills of information officers and media aides in addressing modern communication challenges.
2. Crisis and Reputation Management:
Participants recognized the necessity of proactive communication strategies during crises to protect institutional reputation and maintain public trust.
3. Ethical Standards:
The workshop stressed the importance of adhering to ethical and responsible reporting, urging practitioners to avoid misinformation, bias, and sensationalism.
4. Digital Media Skills:
It was resolved that prioritizing digital journalism, fact-checking, and effective use of social media is essential for government information units to engage citizens constructively and combat fake news.
5. Local Content and Translation:
The significance of accurate reporting and effective translation in disseminating information in both English and local languages was emphasized.
6. Innovations in Storytelling:
Participants acknowledged the rising influence of audio content, such as podcasts and radio segments, in reaching broader audiences, particularly at the grassroots level.
7. Security Collaboration:
The presentation by the DSS underscored the balance between freedom of expression and national security, prompting participants to reinforce cooperation with security agencies for peaceful coexistence.
Government Support:
8. The workshop urged the Jigawa State Government and Local Government Councils to adequately fund and equip information units with modern tools and ongoing training opportunities.
Read Also: NUJ Kano appreciates support for successful NEC Conference, bids farewell to members
The workshop commended NUJ Jigawa State Council under the leadership of Comrade Ismail Ibrahim Dutse for spearheading this initiative, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Committee on Training and Education under Sani Labaran Salisu, the resource persons for their valuable contributions, and the participants for their active engagement.