Digital journalism: KNSG Organises 2-Day Retreat For Online Journalists

The Kano State Government under the aegis of the state Ministry of Information and Internal affairs, has organised a two-day ‘retreat’, for the members of the Online Media Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ, Kano State Council.

Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya the Commissioner Ministry of Information Kano State, declared open the program Wednesday in Dutse, the Capital of Jigawa State, with the theme: STRENGTHENING DIGITAL JOURNALISM THROUGH ETHICAL PRACTICE AND RESPONSIVE ONLINE ENGAGEMENT.

Waiya who recognises potentials of the online journalists, he described them as the symbol of future journalism, whose growing influence is strengthening democratic engagement in the digital era.

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“As the pioneer drivers association of the online journalism practice in the State, the least the citizens expect from you are: diligence in the sourcing, publication and development of news content, professionalism and accuracy in narration, and avoidance of information dissemination, which is driven by the sentiment of sensationalism, quick breaking syndrome.”

He went on clearly differentiating between online professional journalists and social media users, “I therefore need to remind that, online journalists are not the same as social media users. That, online journalism must be guided by legal and ethical decorum which distinguishes it, from citizens’ journalism which is not guided by any extant laws or regulations.”

“Consequently, as digital journalism has come to stay, it must therefore be seen and accepted as one of the critical component of journalism practice in the country, hence deserves every form of recognition,’ he added.

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Amongst other developments to journalism, he revealed that his ministry is working for the advocacy of the establishment of state Law of the Freedom of Information, which is going to be a replica of the Freedom of Information Act.

The Commissioner has earlier, expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving the sponsorship of the retreat, and further assured of state government’s continuous support, under the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration, towards the development of journalism profession.

Earlier, in their separate welcome address, the chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Kano State Council, Comrade Suleiman Dederi, and his counterpart of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Dangambo, urged members to maintain ethical standards of journalism, also to utilise the knowledge acquired during the retreat.