By Nigeria Customs Trains Reporters On Economy, Security, Responsible Reportage
Latifat Abass, Ayodeji Dedeigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service as part of efforts to enhance the capacity of media practitioners, held a seminar with the theme ‘Enhancing National Economy and Security Through Responsible Reportage’ for senior correspondents reporting the activities of the Custom Service.
Presenting the lead paper at the training, the President of African Public Relations Association (APRA) and Group Managing Director, CMC Connect Limited, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, highlight the importance of Public Relations in the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service and economy of Nigeria at large.
He noted that the public should be kept abreast of the activities of the Custom through balanced and coherent reporting for the benefit of national and economic integration.
Responding to a question on what makes a responsible reportage, Badejo-Okusanya, noted that responsible reportage is a deliberate act to enlighten the public and engage with the authorities concerned. He used the opportunity to admonish the Nigeria Customs Service to always respond to enquiries from the media. He noted that not responding on time as alleged by reporters is “not a good response” and does not enhance the image of the Customs.
Other speakers at the seminar were Comptroller Wale Adeniyi, who spoke on ‘Journalism: The Imperative of follow up and investigation’; Engr Wesley Edirin Jerry, Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Broadcasting News, spoke on ‘Enhancing Customs Stakeholders Relationship through Digital Broadcasting’.
Also amongst those who presented papers was the MD, CEO of PR Nigeria, Yashau Shuiab, who spoke on ‘The Menace of social media on stakeholder relationship’. In his presentation he noted that the objectives of Media are to promote public awareness, shape public opinion, influence decision makers, mobilise support and resources within established ethics of accuracy, indecency, and impartiality.
In attendance at the seminal were the PRO of Immigration and Nigeria Police.
