Rise Up to Historical Developmental Journalism, Lawan Charges Media

  • Lawan notes that West African subregion was faced with historical unique developmental challenges.
  • Urges press to mobilise the populace in helping it realise the desired change in Nigeria.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan has urged Nigerian journalists to deepen reporting on development journalism, given the challenges of development in Nigeria and other African countries.

The National Assembly leader made the call in Abuja on Monday, when he inaugurated the West African Parliamentary Press Corps (WAPPC).

Lawan who was represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, pointed that the press had contributed to the development of Nigeria from the beginning.

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While noting that the West African subregion was faced with historical unique developmental challenges, Lawan added that this necessitated the need for development journalism in the subregion.

The Senate President who stated that the launch of the WAPPC was designed to open a new chapter for the press, especially on its developmental roles and synergy with parliament, added that the National Assembly had consciously made efforts to put the people at the core of all considerations.

“In the history of Nigeria, the press has contributed significantly towards epochal democratic evolution especially.

“Today, the West African sub-region is faced with historically unique developmental challenges and our people’s collective aspirations as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“This necessitates a stronger resolve by the press towards actualising the aims of developmental journalism,” he said.

Lawan who acknowledged that the press had a critical role to play towards mobilising the populace and realising the desired change in Nigeria and other African countries said that one of the most strategic ways in which the press can help entrench the mechanism for good governance is by focusing strongly on the imperative of legislative independence as a paramount concern towards achieving the much desired democratic growth and development.

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“For instance, in our time, we aim to end the acrimonious issues that cause unnecessary delays in the consideration of appropriation bills while fast-tracking various other joint processes needed for our country’s unity, growth and development.

“We will strive under this dispensation to deliver on the Nigerian of our dream that makes the well-being of its citizens a priority in the interest of national development.

“I have no doubt that our mass media will rise up to historical developmental journalism towards accelerating the actualisation of our people’s collective aspiration.’’

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