The Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP) in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has initiated a policy framework to develop a media action plan in Borno state. This effort aims to promote media literacy, responsible journalism, and community participation in the state. The NYP, Borno State Caucus, and ALGON, Borno, have commenced media stakeholder consultations to develop the Borno State Media Action Plan (2027–2031).
A media stakeholders' technical alignment meeting was held on Monday in Maiduguri, where participants examined practical approaches to strengthening media and information literacy across the state. Senator representing Borno North at the parliament, Miss Fatima Bukar Lamisula, presented the policy framework at the meeting. The policies are divided into six thematic sections, designed to translate stakeholders' experiences, evidence, and proposed solutions into practical reality.
The policy framework focuses on identifying problems, issues, challenges, and existing gaps to come out with formidable development solutions for the youth. It prioritizes actions, makes responsible decisions, timelines, and measurable indicators. The framework is built around five thematic areas, including misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech management and control towards peace building, positive narratives, and digital and media literacy for the youth and communities.
Other areas of focus include responsible journalism, public information, and strategic government communication, as well as community participation, civic information, and sustainable media literacy systems. Lamisula said the process would bring together representatives of government, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), civil society organizations, academics, and concerned citizens to provide perspectives on public policies, professional journalism, community needs, research, accountability, citizen participation, and effective communication.
The Chairman, NUJ Borno State Council, Mr Abdulkareem Haruna, commended the Nigerian Youth Parliament for initiating the process and assured the organizers of the union's cooperation and support towards the successful development and implementation of the proposed action plan. This collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of young people, the state, and citizens while promoting effective access to credible information and sustainable community development.
Alhaji Ali Yaumi, representative of ALGON, expressed the association's commitment to supporting the initiative. He noted that the collaboration would enhance the growth of the state and its citizens. The development of the media action plan is expected to be completed through a comprehensive and inclusive process, involving various stakeholders.
The Borno State Media Action Plan (2027–2031) is expected to be a comprehensive document that addresses the media and information literacy needs of the state. The plan will provide a roadmap for promoting responsible journalism, community participation, and access to credible information. The collaboration between the NYP and ALGON is a significant step towards promoting sustainable community development in Borno state.
Key points
- The Nigerian Youth Parliament and ALGON are collaborating to develop a media action plan for Borno state.
- The plan focuses on media literacy, responsible journalism, and community participation.
- The initiative aims to promote sustainable community development and access to credible information in Borno state.
