EXECUTIVE Director, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Professor Mohmmad Ishiyaku has called on scientists to aim for clarity when they communicate about their researches.
Professor Ishiyaku said at the opening of a three-day media training workshop held recently at the Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru, Zaria that clear communication will ensure research products do not end up on the shelves but readily get public buy-in.
He noted that, as researchers strive for clarity, interacting with the media does not come that easily, hence scientists should practice and be patient to master how best to interact with the media for impact.
“You have to be a journalist yourself momentarily and be the respondent, as well as viewing yourself as somebody who is accountable to the public, because the journalist tries to show you to the public in his own way as best as he can. You must therefore make sure you persuade him convincingly to present you to the public in your own light,” he said.
He noted that one must anticipate or pre-empt what the journalist wants to say and respond in clear terms without ambiguity, to avoid being misunderstood.
“Researchers must be accountable to the public as their research is not for private but for public good and consumption. You must therefore learn to suppress and divorce your emotions from your work by presenting the facts of the research findings for the public to appreciate.”
Professor Rabiu Adamu, the Principal Investigator for the TELA Maize Project said that the technologies employed by the Project were relatively new to the Nigeria landscape hence, it was important for the media to understand and report on them effectively.
Professor Adamu said that anti-technology campaigners have misinformed the public about the need and usefulness of using innovative technologies such as genetic engineering to develop new crop varieties to address the numerous challenges farmers are facing daily in their efforts to produce enough food for the Nigerian people.
He stressed the need for a good working relationship between scientists and the media, adding that it was good for the media to have a clear understanding of the current technologies deployed in agriculture to enable them present it in an understandable light to the public.
The TELA Maize project aims at developing and releasing drought and insect resistant maize varieties to address drought and pests such as fall armyworm and stem borers that have become major impediment to maize production and productivity in Nigeria. The Project, which recorded very promising results from the first phase of the Confined Field Trial has entered into the second phase. The Project is a partnership between the AATF and the Institute for Agricultural Institute (IAR).
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
COVID-19: Nigeria’s Deaths Last Week Lowest In Five Months
Last week’s record of seven COVID-19 deaths is Nigeria’s lowest in five months, Tribune Online analysis shows.
According to data sourced from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the last time Nigeria recorded fewer weekly deaths was the nine deaths recorded between April 12 and 18.
Restructuring: “I Won’t Succumb To Pressure – Buhari
Against the mounting agitation for the restructuring of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he is not moved and vowed not to succumb to pressure.
A statement emanating from the office of presidential spokesman…
#EndSARS: Nigeria Police To Host Naira Marley On Live Chat
In response to concerns and complaints by Nigerian youths on the issue of unprofessional conducts by some Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the force has invited Nigerian singer and rapper, Azeez Fasola, popularly known as Naira Marley, to a live interview session with its Public Relations officer on Instagram.
ICYMI: CROSSFIRE: No Going Back On Nationwide Strike — Labour
DESPITE court restriction, the total shutdown of government offices and all business activities is imminent as the industrial strike and a nationwide protest declared by the organised labour over the increase in the prices of fuel and electricity tariff commences early Monday morning.
“He had a long break from Diddy when he believes most of this took place…
He stated that there is no better time to partner with NASRDA than now and…
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the umbrella organisation for all Muslim groups…
In an effort to enhance the working capacity of journalists in Ogun State, the Senator…
•One year after fire tragedy, Dosunmu Market traders in Lagos rebuild dreams with bank’s support…
A day after I purchased my portable power station, I was watching a football match…
This website uses cookies.