By Muhd D Haidar
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Jigawa State chapter, has resolved to partner with the Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), as part of its continued effort in showcasing its laudable program and policies across the 27 local government areas.
Chairman of ALGON, Dr Sibu Abdullahi made the disclosure while receiving leadership of the Online Media Chapel, Jigawa State chapter who paid a courtesy visit.
Dr. Sibu who is also the Executive Chairman of Dutse of Local Government Area explained that On behalf of the 27 local government chairmen we are delighted to receive the online journalists in our mist, describing the proposed partnership as timely and significant for effective communication of development initiatives at the grassroots.
He congratulated the newly elected leadership of the Online Media Chapel and assured that 27 LG council chairmen are ready to work with the team considering combination of media professionals in the chapel. “We have confidence in the combination and have no doubt it will justify the confidence reposed.
“We are also prepared to support efforts aimed at communicating developments taking place across the 27 local government areas to teeming national and International populaces.” He noted.
Sibu pledged to present and discuss the proposed partnership with Governor Umar Namadi and Commissioner for Local Government, and the 27 LGA Chairmen.
Earlier, Chairman of Online Media Chapel, Jigawa State, Sani Labaran Kanya, said the association was seeking a formal partnership with the 27 local government councils to improve the documentation and publicity of grassroots development.
Kanya said online media had become one of the fastest and most effective channels for reaching citizens, with information travelling across communities within seconds.
He said the Online Media Chapel was ready to report and publicise development projects, programmes and activities of the local governments.
He proposed that each local government select three young people from among its media aides or personnel, creating a network of 81 media contacts across the state.
He said the participants would receive training in professional online journalism, news gathering, fact-checking, photography, video reporting, social media management, journalism ethics and responsible use of digital technology.
Kanya said the initiative would also contribute to youth development by equipping 81 young people with practical digital and media skills.
He stressed that as the 2027 general elections approach, credible and verified information would become increasingly important.
“Our role as journalists is not to campaign for any political party, but to ensure that government programmes and activities are properly documented, verified and communicated to the public,” he said.
He solicited for the support of ALGON and the 27 local government councils to support the initiative, saying collaboration between government and professional journalists would improve access to reliable information and give greater visibility to development efforts at the grassroots.
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