KEY POINTS
- According to NGE, joint security efforts are demanded in South-East and South-South.
- Editors should concentrate on investigative journalism for regional unity.
- Media should encourage more attention on child welfare; same on fighting harmful beliefs and superstitions.
Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on state governments in South South and South East zones to partner in combating security challenges.
The call was made at a two day conference in Owerri tagged “The Media as Partners in Regional Development.”
In a communiqué, NGE President, Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, called on editors to minimize the impact of divisive messages and encourage constructive dialogue.
Security efforts, media collaboration extended jointly, NGE urges
Organised with support from UNICEF and the Imo State government, the conference equipped editors with tools that will promote unity and help them report on development.
Editors were asked to promote constructive dialogue and to help fulfil the role of constructive investigative journalism in building regional cohesion.
For unity and child welfare
But to achieve that, the NGE urged governors to revive moribund state owned newspapers and ensure they are given autonomy to compete effectively.
Furthermore, the media in development reporting was encouraged to place greater value to children’s welfare without discriminating against children in any way.
Reporting was also discussed through UNICEF protocols aimed at getting the accurate, ethical reporting on child rights.
According to Vanguard, prominent media figures who were at the conference also called on state governments to increase their media resources and commended the Governor Hope Uzodinma for continued collaboration with the media.
