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The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Rep Benjamin Kalu, on Monday, said the media as watch dog of the society, wears an unparalleled influence in shaping public discourse, informing citizens, holding the bar as well as being accountable to the people.
Kalu who disclosed this in Umuahia at the official unveiling of the Secretariat belonging to Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Abia State chapter, pointed out that in the digital age where information spreads and the populace capitalize on sensationalism over substance, the online media practitioners must resist the spread of fake news.
He reminded members of the Association that as Media Practitioners, they have the unique opportunity to effect positive changes in the society while making reference to the words of Nelson Mandela,”Education is the most powerful weapon, you can use it to change the world by informing, educating and inspiring your audience”.
The federal Lawmaker pointed out that having a Secretariat was imperative considering the enormous and onerous task the media play in the development of the society.
The number 6 citizen of Nigeria, therefore, urged OMPAN members to embrace Data driven Journalism in reporting, as the power of data to uncover hidden truth and inform policy decisions cannot be over-emphasized.
He opined that by leveraging data analytics and visualization, they can provide their dispersed audience with deeper understanding of complex issues as well as hold those in power accountable for their actions.
Kalu congratulated the Online Media Association for its Secretariat which he described as a symbol of the Union’s collective commitment to responsive journalism, serving as a hub for collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional development.
Kalu harped on the need for the Association to contribute in building a more equitable, virile and prosperous society, charging them to continuously showcase what the government of Nigeria is doing and also bringing the citizens up to speed with the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last one year.
He insisted that if the people were well informed of the activities in government, the tempo of the ongoing protest would have doused, maintaining that a well informed society engage in constructive dialogue and collaborations with the government which fosters a more harmonious and progressive society.
Earlier, the chairman of the Association in Abia State, Comrade Promise Okoro expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for his support to the Association, commending him for his laudable feat in the House of Representatives, most especially in facilitating the passage of the South-East Development Commission Bill into Law.
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