Social Inclusion: Stallion Times Trains Kogi Journalists on Effective Reportage
By Stephen Adeleye
No fewer than 30 Journalists have been trained on effective reporting to promote human rights and social inclusion in Kogi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the training was organised by Stallion Times Media Services with support from Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, and funded by MacArthur Foundation.
Speaking at the workshop on Saturday in Lokoja, the Chief Executive Officer of Stallion Times, Isiyaku Ahmed, said it was aimed at advocating human rights and social inclusion through effective news coverage.
Ahmed added that the training was also to promote human rights and appreciate conditions for gender equity, social inclusion and development in the society.
He emphasised that the workshop would serve as an avenue to instituting a dialogue mechanism on the collaborative Media Engagement for development inclusion and accountability (CMedia) Project.
He stressed the need for journalists to take deliberately effort towards promoting social inclusion, effective reportage on gender-based violence and community deprivation using their various news media.
Ahmed expressed optimism that participants would be equipped with the necessary knowledge, techniques and strategies of stimulating neglected human rights and social inclusion stories over the years.
NAN reports that a Media Consultant, Dr Theophilus Abbah, presentated two papers entitled: “Gender Equity in Nigeria Issues, Challenges and Prospects”, and “Gender Based Violence Reporting“.
Abbah urged the media to consciously promote issues on gender equity and social inclusion that would enhance women’s participation in governance and political representation.
The expert advocated the use of stories, features, opinions and interviews to promote human rights and gender equity in governance and politics as priority.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to Kogi Governor on Media and Publicity , Isah Ismail, commended the organisers for the gesture towards Kogi journalists.
Ismail assured the commitment of Kogi Government under the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, to ensure social inclusion and gender equity at all levels of governance in the state.
The media aide assured journalists of a robust relationship, while soliciting for the support and cooperation of the media to ensure the success of the new Administration.