Niger Delta: Journalists Meet, Discuss Positive Narratives As Media House Honors Veterans

By CrossRiverWatch Admin

Journalists have been identified as key players in ensuring the negative narrative about the Niger Delta region of Nigeria changes.

This was the focus and intent of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Annual Media Dinner organised by GbaramatuVoice Newspapers in Warri, Delta State last week where the guest speakers reminded journalists of the power the wield to shape public opinion and perception.

Professor Tosan Harriman, who leads the editorial board of the Newspaper in his paper presentation tasked journalists to leverage on information technology as it relates to journalism to achieve set objectives.

Harriman, a Professor of History noted that; “A particular defines the general,” hence, the need for journalists to “know what you are doing in news gathering, news management and news reporting.”

According to the varsity don, having a clear idea on the ethics of the profession and the role of the journalists remains key to nation building as, “the journalist occupies a primordial place in determining what will happen to this country.”

However, he did not shy away from lampooning sharp practices which he said could be picked out by the discerning reader as the components of a news reportage remains “important in how you are rated.”

Veteran journalist, Monday Ashibogwu in his presentation explained that, “journalism is history in a hurry,” as historians will always come back to the content reported in haste.

He shared examples of how journalists could change the narrative of the Niger Delta region which is known for violence to a more positive one by deliberate choice of images used for optimization in the world wide web, clarity in reportage to reflect the state of things and not avoiding vague terms that sell only disgust.

“It is clear that all politics is local but all content is global,” Dr. Ashibogwu said, while stressing the need for a rethink in editorial policies, copy editing and every journalistic activity that relates to the Niger Delta region.

The delegates were tasked to develop strategies in focus group discussions to chart a way for each other to achieve the set objectives.

GbaramatuVoice was established seven years ago. And, the publisher, Jacob Abai while welcoming delegates expressed optimism that the annual event will, “impact positively on the quality of our work for as long as we are in service, and eventually, impact our region and our country, at large.”

Several media practitioners including Ignatius Chukwu who has been practicing for 44 years and has the longest running published column, Monday Ashibogwu, John Momoh, Nduka Ogbaigbena among others were awarded for their contributions to the journalism profession.

Below are images from the event…