At NUJ Bloggers Summit: Experts harp on need to engage critical stakeholders in info management 

… as Professor Ikechebelu speaks on assisted reproductive technology, IVF.

Experts in various professional fields have called on those who manage information for organisations and or government to regularly engage critical stakeholders in order to build sustainable relationship that makes managing information in times of crises easier.

The experts made the call at the 2022 Anambra NUJ Bloggers Summit held at Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, Awka, in partnership with Life International Hospital Awka.

The event, which has as its theme “Managing Information Crisis in the Era of Citizen Journalism”, also featured special talk on assisted reproductive technology, In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and founder of Life International Hospital Awka, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu.

Presenting his paper, Chairman of Umunna Media Limited and former MD/CEO of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Chief Dr Uche Nworah, noted that technology has democratized communication, which gave rise to uncensored citizen journalism practice that has made the job of an information manager much more demanding and challenging.

Dr Nworah, who was represented by Dr Njideka Ezeonyejiaku of Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, however explained that citizen journalism became necessary because of people’s need for more access, open access, journalism independence, encouragement of multiple stories and more voices, as against information suppression and single stories in the mainstream media, noting that the practice is another demonstration of people power and perhaps, the biggest single disruptor of the journalism sector in the last two decades.

He commended the Anambra State Council of NUJ led by Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu for the robust engagements with stakeholders, as well as introduction of platforms for regular sharing of information and exchange of ideas.

Earlier in her keynote speech, a senior lecturer and Head of Department of Research and General Studies, NTA College Jos, Dr Chinelo Ude-Akpeh, who noted that crisis situations are often inevitable in society, inducing danger, tension, stress and fear, however insisted that adequate management of information is paramount to the smooth functioning of the state and the well-being of the citizenry.

She explained that though the rate at which fake news is spread via citizen journalism makes information management, especially in crisis situations non-negotiable, citizen journalism should not be totally dismissed as according to her, it serves as a rich complement to traditional news media, calling for discretion in news dissemination and consumption.

In their separate remarks, the National Vice-President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, and the traditional ruler of Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje, who noted that growth and development of any society depend largely on the contributions of the media, among other things, called for sustained enlightenment of Nigerians on need for unity and sustainable development of the nation, as well as young people against illicit drug intake.

Speaking on IVF, Professor Ikechebelu of Life International Hospital Awka, who noted that awareness is still low on the assisted reproductive technology, explained that the days of broken marriages over childlessness are over with the new technology, urging couples in need to seek help.

He explained that IVF, which has advanced into sex selection, is knowledge from God, adding that many children, including twins and quadruplets, have been delivered in Anambra through IVF.

Also in their separate remarks, the Anambra State Chairman of NUJ, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Coordinator of Anambra Online Publishers, Mr Bamidele Ajayi of TVC News, and the Chairman of 2022 Anambra NUJ Bloggers Summit, Mrs Ngozi Obunwaka, noted that the summit was important in ensuring that over six hundred bloggers in Anambra are more responsible to the society by exposing them to necessary skills, and to create and raise awareness on assisted reproductive technology, IVF.

On his part, former Commissioner for Health, and Chief Medical Director Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, COOUTH, Dr Joe Akabuike commended NUJ for the initiative to organize the event. He noted that the event will redirect bloggers into reporting for the development of the society.

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, represented by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, Anambra State Director of DSS, David Enoch Pawa, represented by Assistant Director of the service, Uche Uga, former Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in the State, Mr CDon Adinuba, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ABS, Chief Chido Obidiegwu, among others, were present at the event that had Dr Henry Duru and Obiorah Edogor of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Mr Cornel Osigwe of www.anaedoonline.ng, Chief Chuka Nnabuife of Anambra State Newspapers and Printing Corporation as discussants.