By Sadiq Abubakar
Maiduguri
Presidential Committee on North East Initiative (PCNI) with support from the Victims Support Fund (VSF), yesterday, kicked off a three day workshop for 40 selected social media network frontiers from the region, aimed at fostering better media reportage on security challenges, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency.
Vice chairman of PCNI, Alhaji Tijani Tumsa, in his opening speech
said the workshop with the theme: “Utilising New Media for Humanitarian and Developmental Reportage,” was timely, particularly now that there is critical need to harmonise seamless pattern of news reportage by the social media network frontiers in the North East about Boko Haram insurgency activities and issues.
“The PCNI in its role as the apex coordination body continues to focus on sharing of information to promote synergy and efficiency across all sectors of interventions from humanitarian assistance to long term development,” he said.
The vice chairman explained that the new media has made the world a global village, and hence what goes out can reach thousands and millions of people at a click of a button, and advised for objective, realistic and patriotic approach when using the social media.
“We recognise the importance of the new media and the role that it has played in information dissemination,” he said.
Tumsa also noted that, for communicators in the North East, social media platforms have become critical channels of reporting events in the region via blog pages, Instagram, twitter, Imo, Periscope, Whatsapp and other avenues, which influence public perception.
“We can promote hope, dignity of life and harmonious existence among the peoples of the North East as we confront the common enemy of peaceful coexistence in our society.
“Our aim is to also disseminate the tools that will enable us leverage the power of new media to change the dominant narratives emanating from the North-East,” he added
