Media is key to Projecting Grassroots Developments, says Keffi LGA Chairman
By Olu Benjamin
Alhaji Idris Damagani, Chairman of Keffi local government area in Nasarawa state says conventional media is still the most reliable platform in projecting and publicizing grassroots developments.
Damagani stated this during an interactive session with a group of journalists in Keffi on Thursday.
According to him, the role media, especially conventional media plays in the society including at the local government level despite the advent of social media is still pivotal in projecting developmental strides at the grassroots.
“So many responsible Nigerians and Nasarawa state residents still rely heavily on traditional media for accurate and objective news on developments at the grassroots because these media outlets are more recognized and trusted.
“The reason why some of us get carried away by social media is because it is a bit more closer and available to the public 24 hours a day.
“But the importance and reliability of traditional media including projecting activities at the local government level can never be compared to that of the social media. Traditional media still remains the most reliable source of information,” he said.
He said the reason for the public continuous reliability on traditional media despite the onslaught of social media to the public is because traditional media outlets still adhere strictly to the ethics of journalism.
“I want to assure you that I the Chairman of Keffi LGA give importance and will continue to prioritize reports from traditional media outlets. Social media can never take the place of traditional media,” he said.
He then appealed for a closer working relationship with conventional media outlets working in the state so as to help project activities of his administration in Keffi local government area.
“We urge you people to please come closer to us because we still recognize and value you as the main source of information to the public. You cannot be relegated or considered lower to social media,” he added.
In his remarks, Mallam Mohammed Auwall, leader of the group thanked the Chairman for hosting them and for reiterating his desire to strengthen the synergy between his administration and media outlets in the area.
He assured the chairman that journalists covering activities in the area will continue to be professional, unbiased, objective in the discharge of their duties and seek clarifications where necessary from the chairman and local government officials.
….END.