Yobe urges journalists to embrace technology, prioritise nation-building
The Yobe State Commissioner for Information, Abdullahi Bego, has called on journalists in the country to adapt to the fast-changing media landscape and use their platforms to promote unity, development, and democracy. Delivering a virtual keynote speech at the opening of the Borno State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) triennial delegates’ conference […]
The Yobe State Commissioner for Information, Abdullahi Bego, has called on journalists in the country to adapt to the fast-changing media landscape and use their platforms to promote unity, development, and democracy.
Delivering a virtual keynote speech at the opening of the Borno State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) triennial delegates’ conference in Maiduguri, on Tuesday, Bego said journalism had changed dramatically in the past two decades, creating both challenges and opportunities for practitioners.
Reflecting on his early days as a member of the NUJ in Borno nearly 20 years ago, the commissioner said the council had always stood out for its sense of community and professional integrity.
“Here in this city, you have advanced as media professionals while still embodying the core values we all cherish and believe in – integrity, diligence, fair play, and a sense of community,” he said.
- How Lagos Foodbank Initiative feeds 3.5m households
- FCT minister commiserates with Ona of Abaji over wife’s passing
Bego, who recalled how journalists once relied on one another for information when internet access was limited, said the new age of digital journalism now demands continuous learning, self-development, and responsible use of technology.
According to him, platforms such as Facebook, X, TikTok, and others have made news faster, more interactive, and more personal, but they also carry risks of misuse.
“Will we deploy the media of communication to bring people together, or use our pens and keyboards to set people apart?” he asked.
Bego urged journalists to go beyond routine workshops and embrace everyday lessons from their work as a means of building capacity. He said self-development and the ability to adapt would determine how well journalists can safeguard Nigeria’s democracy as the fourth estate of the realm.
The commissioner also challenged the media to focus more on constructive reporting that could drive development, citing issues such as regional integration through the North-East Development Commission, promoting STEM and Artificial Intelligence education among children, renewable energy, and indigenous innovation hubs.
“We can use our powerful agency – the agency of being journalists – to write about these issues and spread the word, not only to promote awareness among the public but also to bring about positive action,” he stressed.
On a lighter but serious note, Bego advised journalists not to neglect their health and personal welfare while pursuing their careers. He said many journalists suffer trauma like the subjects of their stories, and must learn to balance work with personal well-being.
“Do not neglect your health. Where possible, invest in something as a side hustle. It will be handy and useful for you in retirement,” he added.
Bego congratulated the Borno NUJ leadership for sustaining professionalism and urged members to continue to lead by example in promoting democracy and development in Nigeria.