Lokoja – The Chief Executive Officer of Stallion Times, Mr Isiyaku Ahmed has challenged journalists to pay more attention to issues around Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) so as to influence national action in
their favour.
Ahmed, who is also the Editor-in-Chief, Stallion Times, gave the charge during a one-day
workshop organised by the organisation for journalists in Kogi State.
The workshop which was organised in conjunction with MacArthur Foundation was held in Lokoja on June 2.
According to him, the broad objective of the workshop is to promote issue-focused reporting on disability to gain prominence
in the mainstream media that will influence national action toward disability.
“It is for the trained journalists to report on PWDs issues for print, broadcast, and digital media, and to engage
journalists to report on PWDs issues in ways that highlight their concerns on everyday happening.
“In spite of all the challenges the media faces in terms of funding and poor capacity, the media is in a unique position
to reshape the public image and improve the living condition of persons with disabilities.
“This will be through research and proper reporting of critical issues that affect disabilities in Nigeria.
“Our standpoint is that journalists have a role to play in the media space to professionally increase representation of PWDs.
“The media is also to reinforce positive thinking rather than portray PWDs in stigmatising ways, as objects of pity, or as mere statistics.
“We have invited you to this knowledge transfer training to share experiences, participate actively, learn and report these issues
to make the state a better place for the minority and marginalised groups.”
Mr Anselm Okolo, the resource person, emphasised the importance of listening to the plights of others.
He said “comprehend and explicitly report it as it will help transform the society.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Kogi Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Adeiza Momoh-Jimoh, said “life is dynamic
just as journalism, and should be critically looked into and shared with others for a better society.
The chairman thanked Stallion Times for the workshop, which he said would go a long way in encouraging journalists
to report issues affecting PWDs. (vitalnews)
