Yobe trains 800 media actors on digital communication

Yobe State government has commenced the training of 800 media actors on digital communication to improve grassroots engagement, counter misinformation, and strengthen interaction between the government and citizens.

The participants, drawn from mainstream media and other media-related organisations in the 17 local government areas of the state, are being trained on the effective use of digital platforms to communicate government policies, engage communities, and promote public awareness.

Speaking in Damaturu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Mohammed Goje, who represented Governor Mai Mala Buni at the Yobe Media Summit, said the programme was designed to equip media actors with the skills to use digital tools for greater community impact.

Goje urged participants to move beyond routine reporting of government activities and focus on communicating how policies and projects affect people at the grassroots.

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He said the training will also strengthen efforts to counter misinformation and promote responsible digital communication.

Buni urged the participants to uphold accuracy and professionalism in their engagements.

“Communicate with facts and disagree without insult,” the governor said.

He also urged media actors to develop expertise in sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, security, and youth empowerment to enable them to provide informed and credible reports on government policies and programmes.

The governor stressed the need to link digital communication with grassroots engagement, saying effective public communication must include listening to citizens and understanding their concerns at ward, village, and community levels.

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the summit was an offshoot of the Arewa Media Summit held in Kano.

He stated that Governor Buni approved the programme, following a recommendation by Goje to strengthen the capacity of media practitioners in the state.

The summit featured presentations by Dr Musa Usman, of the University of Maiduguri, Dr Lawan Cheri, Deputy Rector, Administration, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, and Professor Sheriff Almuhajir of Yobe State University.