Former Minister Urges Journalists to Focus on Development Reporting Over Politics

In a call to action, former Minister of Information and leader of Timbuktoo Media Services, Mr. Labaran Maku, has encouraged journalists to shift their focus from the political class to reporting on development strides. This appeal was made during an address to media practitioners at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday.

Mr. Maku emphasized the importance of prioritizing stories that highlight the provision of essential amenities such as roads, schools, hospitals, and other basic services that benefit the less privileged and vulnerable populations. He noted that despite the country’s democracy not functioning as it should, significant progress has been made over the past 26 years. Key areas of improvement include the development of universities, roads, water projects, and communication sectors.

Furthermore, Mr. Maku stressed that democracy, despite its shortcomings, is still the best system of governance. He urged journalists to focus on reporting social interventions, including youth training programs, women’s empowerment initiatives, skills acquisition, and technical services that enable self-reliance. By doing so, the media can play a vital role in promoting development and improving the lives of citizens.

In support of this effort, the former Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Mike Omeri, announced plans to conduct a thorough tour of Benue State. The aim of this tour is to verify the implementation of valuable projects by the Alia administration over the past two years, ensuring that these initiatives have positively impacted the people of the state. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of media scrutiny and accountability in promoting development and good governance. By working together, journalists, government officials, and the public can foster a more informed and engaged society, ultimately driving progress and improvement in the lives of all citizens.