Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has urged Nigerian journalists to embrace emerging technologies to improve the speed, efficiency and quality of news delivery without compromising professional judgement and their responsibilities to the public.
He also urged Media Trust Group to uphold the values of trust, integrity and responsible journalism while expanding innovation in the media industry.
The governor spoke as Guest of Honour at the launch of Media Trust Group’s Converged Newsroom at the organisation’s headquarters in Abuja.
The facility integrates the editorial operations of the group’s print, television, radio and digital platforms under one system.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, Yahaya commended Media Trust’s transition from traditional print journalism to a multimedia operation, describing it as a demonstration of vision, adaptability and commitment to the future of journalism.
He, however, cautioned that technology should strengthen rather than replace journalists’ professional judgement, critical thinking and public service responsibilities.
“Journalists must take advantage of technology to improve their work, but they must not allow technology to take over their functions. Rather, they should use it to simplify processes, improve efficiency and strengthen the quality of their output,” he said.
The governor urged Media Trust to devote a significant portion of its editorial resources to public education on modern agricultural practices, climate change and sustainable food production.
He said increased media coverage of the issues, particularly in Northern Nigeria, would encourage farmers to abandon outdated practices, adopt improved methods and contribute to food security and economic development.
Yahaya also acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Gombe State and Media Trust Group, assuring the organisation that his administration would sustain and strengthen the relationship.
In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, commended Media Trust for embracing innovation, describing the converged newsroom as an initiative that demonstrated the need for media organisations to adapt to changing realities in the industry.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, praised Media Trust founder, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, for his vision, consistency and commitment to building a respected media organisation.
Idris reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism, noting that the profession remained a vital public service that required professionalism, accuracy and accountability.
He urged Media Trust to develop the facility into a centre of excellence for media innovation, ethical journalism and effective public engagement.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Media Trust Group, whose name was not provided in the statement, described the converged newsroom as a pioneering initiative.
He said the facility uses technology, collaboration and audience data to strengthen journalism and build closer relationships with readers, viewers and listeners.
According to the group, the converged newsroom brings together the editorial operations of Daily Trust, Weekend Trust, Aminiya, Teen Trust, Trust TV, Trust Radio and Digital Trust under a unified system to improve collaboration, coordination and the speed of news delivery.
In his vote of thanks, the Group Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief, Ahmed Shekarau, thanked the Gombe State Government and other invited state governments for their longstanding partnerships with the organisation.
He said the invitation extended to Gombe, Jigawa, Borno, Yobe and Taraba states was in recognition of the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationships between the media group and the respective governments.
Shekarau assured audiences, clients and other stakeholders that Media Trust would continue to innovate, improve its services and strengthen its capacity to meet their changing needs.
The statement was signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe.
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