National Information Technology and Development Agency NITDA has organized a one day workshop for 50 practising Journalists and social media handlers on Digital Journalism, Media Ethics and fact-checking in Jigawa State.
In her opening remark, the NITDA Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations Hadiza Umar said the training was aimed at enlightening the journalists on the importance of application of the code of ethics of journalism profession in their day to day activities.
According to her, their mission is to update practicing journalists on the concept of modern practices in line with the global trend of digitizing the journalism profession to conform with the present times and challenges.
Also speaking, the former Managing Director of Jigawa Broadcasting Corporation JBC, Alhaji Sabo Guri tasked media practitioners in Nigeria on professionalism and high ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
Sabo Guri pointed out that, the evolution of digital media and related technologies poses significant threat to journalists and analogue media managers, hence the need to mainstream digital technologies in serving the public better as the watchdogs of society.
According to him, for journalists to maintain professional relevance in today’s digital world, they must possess digital skills related to media and communication.
He said that journalists should always ensure adherence to the professional code of ethics in the discharge of their duties.
Sabo Guri therefore, charged the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ and the Nigerian Guild of Editors NGE to checkmate such erosion of standards, especially by some privately run media organizations.
In a remark, the Special Adviser to Governor Badaru Abubakar on Media, Alhaji Habibu Nuhu Kila commended NITDA for its various technological interventions and capacity building programmes on digital innovations across the country.
Radio Nigeria reports that papers are presented and 50 media professionals and social media handlers received certificates.
COV/USMAN MZ, JIGAWA
