HDI Trains Mass Communication Students from 11 Tertiary Institutions

Speakers at a recent Journalism training workshop organized by the Human Development Initiatives (HDI) have urged students and all users of the social media to channel their use of the social media to bring about change in the country.

The training workshop which had in attendance students drawn from eleven tertiary institutions in Lagos, Kwara, and Enugu attracted frontline media professionals in Nigeria as speakers. These include multiple award winner and presenter, Mrs. Funke Treasure Durodola and the online editor of The Nation newspaper, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin.

Speaking on using broadcast media for change in the social media age, Funke noted that the advent of the social media has revolutionized the broadcast world as information dissemination is no longer one-way as it used to be. She stressed that social media have created multiple platforms for audience engagement.

According to her, it is now possible for presenters to start discussing and brainstorming with their fans and listeners about a programme that has not been aired. This, she said, could be through audience engagement via facebook and twitter.

In his own brief presentation on using social media to ensuring accountability in governance, Otufodunrin charged journalism professional to perform their roles as entrenched in Section 22 of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.

These roles, according to him, are predicated on holding the government accountable for all actions and policies. He said social media have liberalized information and urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to use them to form a strong check on the government. The youth downloaded the HDI designed budget watch mobile application, and have been enlisted as good governance ambassadors in their various schools and communities.

The convener of the initiative, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye had earlier emphasized his commitment to using all available means to educate Nigerians on how to make their voice heard. He said HDI is involved in welfare programmes for widows and other less-privileged Nigerians.

Human Development Initiatives is a Non-Governmental Organisation committed to serving the interest of Nigerians through capacity building and poverty alleviations as well as monitoring government policies and public spending.