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2023 Election: Media Agenda Setting Role Reiterated

Written by Basirat Memudu

The media have been described as watch dog of the society that can play a vital role in agenda setting during the 2023 general elections.

The state partnership facilitator of PERL (ECP), Alhaji Yunusa Hamza made the assertion, during a media engagement with political program presenters, to discuss the content of Kano citizens charter of demand, held in Kano.

Alhaji Yunusa Hamza

According to him, the presenters were engaged to own the process and make the charter a reference point to achieve the desired objectives.

He however, advocated for dedication and commitment of the media in enlightening and educating the public about the value of CCD to make it a reality.

In his presentation titled ‘ Hasken Kano: The journey so far’ a lecturer with the department of adult and community development Who doubles as Kano state Coordinator CSACEFA, Dr. Auwal Halilu noted that the need for good governance necessitated the development of the charter.

He maintained that, a coalition of over 60 citizens concerned groups came up with strategies to curtail developmental challenges in the state.

Dr. Auwal said the coalition also incorporated stakeholders including traditional institutions, religious groups, influencers as we as conventional and new media engagements.

“Traditional leaders from the five emirate councils Kano, Rano, Karaye, Bichi and Gaya”.

Presenting the charter, Dr. Abdulsalam Kani from department of economics, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education and executive director FIDAC explained that the charter focused attention on 9 critical sectors.

He noted that the Kano citizens demands for candidates in 2023 general elections include education, health, agriculture, environment, commerce.

Others are, resource mobilization, justice, digital economy, women affairs/PWDs.

Dr. Abdulsalam stressed that the coalition has strategised and came up with engagement plans on pre – election, post – election and post-inauguration to fulfil the needs and aspirations of the public.

“The charter of demands will bring citizens more closer to the government”.

The meeting tagged ‘engagement with media partners on citizens charter of demand as agenda setting for the 2023 general election to gubernatorial candidates’ supported by partnership to Engage Reform and learn (ECP), witnessed large turn out of political program presenters.

KHADIJAH ALIYU