The Yobe State Government has trained 400 media practitioners in digital communication and community engagement, as part of efforts to strengthen information flow and public engagement across the state.
Officials say another 400 participants have now been approved for a second round of the programme.
The announcement was made in Damaturu at the Yobe Media Summit, where the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje, represented Governor Mai Mala Buni.
The summit, themed “Harnessing Digital Tools for Community Impact and Engagement,” brought together journalists, broadcasters and communication professionals from across the state.
Dr Goje said the training was aimed at helping media practitioners better utilise digital platforms to inform the public, counter misinformation and promote awareness of government programmes.
He also challenged participants to move beyond routine coverage of official activities and instead focus on how government policies affect communities.
“Media practitioners must communicate with facts and disagree without insult,” he said, while stressing the importance of professionalism and responsible online engagement.
There were also calls for journalists to build deeper knowledge in key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and security to improve the quality of their reporting.
Speakers at the event highlighted the need for stronger connections between digital communication and grassroots realities, noting that effective public engagement depends on listening to local communities.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the initiative was part of broader efforts to promote media literacy and professional development in the state.
He added that the summit was inspired by the Arewa Media Summit held in Kano, and that the next batch of trainees would prioritise those who missed the first round.
Presentations were delivered by academics and media experts, including Dr Musa Usman of the University of Maiduguri, Dr Lawan Cheri of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, and Prof Sheriff Almuhajir of Yobe State University.
Also in attendance were senior government officials, media executives and representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Yobe.
Participants were drawn from media organisations and communication networks across the state’s 17 local government areas.
In his closing remarks, the Director-General of COYAPO, Bature Goniri, urged participants to be mindful of their conduct online and to use media platforms responsibly.
