By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, kaduna
Tracereporters –Participants at the just concluded Africa Conference On Development Journalism themed “Sustainable Development: Media As A Catalyst” have identified development Communication as the linchpin for achieving the set objectives and Aims of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
SDGs is a United Nations’ call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.
A communique issued and signed by Sekyen Dadik. Executive Director, AMDF
Kaduna, Nigeria. Maryam Mukhtar
Reporter, Katsina State Radio
Katsina. Muzha Azariah Kucha
Editor/Reporter, New Media Directorate
Radio Nigeria Headquarters, Abuja.
At the end of their 2-day Conference in Kaduna, Nigeria, the participants strongly believed that while the media serves as a catalyst by raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and inspiring action, there is the need to collaborate and promote inclusive behavior that enhances sustainability to create a more promising future.
Development Communication, they emphasized, does not only cultivate a shared understanding among diverse stakeholders but acts as a beacon that guides individuals, communities, and nations together toward a common vision and sustainable future.
“While calling for forging partnerships between researchers, institutions, and communities, the Conference advocates the integration of scientific evidence into policy formulation, having communicated the research output to policymakers and the public. This would contribute to the creation of policies that are not only well-informed but also aligned with the aspirations of the SDGs.
“Collaborative efforts should be geared by the media, CSOs, and educational Institutions towards promoting civic education, public awareness, and participatory process in nurturing the culture of good governance.
“African media practitioners should play the role of drawing attention to the issues of hunger, malnutrition, and complex agricultural phenomena, like price volatility, post-harvest losses, and food safety among others on the continent.
“It is strongly believed that a State can only claim Food Security and Sustainable Development when it has enough available food and agricultural products to provide nutrition for its inhabitants.
“The Conference identified Limited research on Climate Change in the media which it notes has affected their crucial role in awareness creation to mitigate Climate Change.
“While identifying some causes of Climate change, such as livestock ranching and illegal logging, the Conference advocates banning clearing/ cutting down of trees as well as amplifying policies that influence the need to protect the environment.
The conference also featured presentation of the 2023 AMDF Journalist of the Year Award which went to Odeniyi Solomon Oluwatosin, Defence and Crime Correspondent of the Punch Newspaper.
The award was part of the AMDF’s commitment to promote the culture of in-depth development Journalism in the African media space,
There were also winners in various categories of Print, Online, Radio, TV, and Photography.
1. PHOTO CATEGORY
Jaiyeola Olukayode Omolaja (Punch)
2. TV CATEGORY
Chenemi Bamaiyi (TVC)
3. RADIO CATEGORY
Shindong Bala (Radio Nigeria)
“4. ONLINE CATEGORY
Martha Agas (NAN) Winner
Phillip Yatai (NAN) 1st Runner Up
Christian Njoku (NAN) 2nd Runner Up
”
“5. PRINT CATEGORY
Odeniyi Solomon (Punch) Winner
Chima Azubuike (Punch) 1st Runner Up
Ojoma Akor (Daily Trust) 2nd Runner Up
“6. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
An Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award for Journalistic Excellence was presented to a veteran broadcast Journalist, Hajiya Hauwa Saulawa, former General Manager of FRCN Companion FM Katsina, in recognition of her uncommon and immeasurable contributions to Development Journalism.