African media practitioners chart new course for development
The need to further deepen the role of media in fostering sustainable development across the African continent has once again been emphasised as media practitioners, scholars and innovators converged in Abuja, the Nigeria’s capital city for the 2024 media and development conference.
The 3-day event, hosted by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) which draws delegates across the media industry, Academia, innovators and development experts offers an opportunity to re-imagine the role of media in the ever evolving world.
Giving her opening remarks at the conference which began in Abuja on Monday, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, a board member of the CJID stressed the need for such a conference at a time when technological advancements is reshaping the media ecosystem.
She noted that it’s become imperative for a spirited effort from industry players to maximise the opportunities of the transformative period and also control its excessive tendencies.
Adding that the evolution of artificial intelligence and other digital tools has also increased the need for a constant call towards protecting the basic objectives of media practice, she insisted that the ethical standards shouldn’t be subdued by any innovation.
Audrey said, “This technological advancement compels us to reimagine the digital approaches and envision an interconnected system and technologically advance role for the Media.”
She noted that the media is an essential pillar of democracy and it must be seen to be advancing its values and entrench the cause of a free and fair society, by driving accountability, reporting marginalised voices, spotlight pressing issues and also enhance civic engagement.
“Despite its undeniable significance, the media faces a lot of obstalces, from the rise of misinformation and propaganda often done by malicious actors threatens press freedom and integrity of the democratic system” remarked the University don who said adde that “media professionals must remain steadfast in upholding ethical standard to ensure their work serve the public good.”
CJID @10
The ongoing conference in Abuja is also being used as an opportunity to mark the 10 years anniversary of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).
The leading African think thank organisation, has since its establishment in 2014 strengthening journalism and fostering a free, independent media ecosystem for sustainable development.
Professor Audrey in her remarks stated the organisation through many initiatives has broken new grounds in driving positive changes across key sectors.
She said, “With the invaluable support of our youthful team, visionary board, generous partners and regional partners, we continue to champion responsible use of digital tools for journalism for civic engagement and combating misinformation.”
In his own remarks, the Africa Director of the MacArthur foundation extolled the contributions of the CJID to the democracy and media landscape on the African continent.
While stressing that its impacts are now far beyond its year of existence, he noted that the “CJID has become the voice, the light, beacon for all that is good for our country, sub region and African continent as a whole.
Professor Rotimi Olatunji, President, Association of Communications Scholars and Media Professionals(ASCPN) lauded the CJID for also deepening the synergy between the Academia and practitioners.
Olatunji said the organisation has become a rallying point in enhancing the media practice while also bridging the ethical lapses.
With conversation around “Civic space and freedom of expression, Agriculture and Food Security, social accountability and universal health care coverage, the conference provides a meeting point for deliberation on root causes of these phenomenons, profer actionable solutions and also promote sustainable practice.
Other thematic areas of the conference includes gender equality and women economic empowerment, election and information disorder and climate change, environmental sustainability and energy transition.
The conference, expected be climaxed by AI and media summit on Wednesday will also feature a special event of dinner night and award presentation for journalistic works
