Written By Daniel Karlmax; Edited By Godwin Duru
Media experts and development stakeholders have emphasised the significance of the media, particularly its role in projecting the realities, achievements, challenges and aspirations of communities across the country and beyond.
They also cautioned journalists against sensationalism, urging them to uphold fairness, objectivity and responsibility in their reporting while protecting the dignity and identity of the people and communities they cover.
These formed the central focus at the unveiling of a quarterly magazine and a book titled Feet on Broadways, organised by News Bell Media Koncept in Kaduna.
The event was held under the theme: “Reporting the Middle-Belt, Building Viral Media for Today, and the Morrow.”
The programme brought together media practitioners, academics, community leaders, professionals and other stakeholders, who applauded the initiative, describing it as a significant investment in journalism, literature and public enlightenment.
In a keynote address, Colonel Victor Kasai Tagwoi (Rtd.) said the Middle-Belt region had suffered years of underreporting and misrepresentation, stressing the need for credible media platforms capable of telling the stories of the region accurately and responsibly.
He called for the development of media platforms that could combine the reach and appeal of viral content with the principles of credible and critical journalism.
Tagwoi said the newly launched News Bell Magazine, a flagship quarterly publication, was expected to provide a platform for amplifying voices and documenting issues of importance to communities across the region.
He explained that the magazine would cover a broad range of subjects, including governance, community development, agriculture, education, security, business, youth, women, culture, technology and sports, among other issues shaping society.
In an interview, the publisher, Mr. Emmanuel Saiza, said the initiative was designed to contribute to public enlightenment while providing responsible and credible coverage of developments across the Middle-Belt and beyond.
Saiza explained that the initiative was targeted at establishing a distinctive presence in Nigeria’s media industry, with a focus on credible storytelling, responsible journalism, and the preservation of the identity and dignity of the communities it serves.
The book reviewer, Elder Yusuf Solomon Danbaki, described Feet on Broadways as a timely contribution to discussions on contemporary social vices and other issues affecting society.
He described Saiza as diligent, committed to excellence and passionate about social justice, expressing optimism that his literary and media initiatives would contribute to shaping public understanding of contemporary issues.
The unveiling of Feet on Broadways and News Bell Magazine also featured the presentation of awards of excellence to individuals recognised for their humanitarian services.
Among those honoured were Professor Enoch Oyedele, Mr. Musa Tanko and Mr. Simon Nuhu Yashim, among others.
