On Zulum’s Approval, UNIMAID Holds Intensive Media Training for 40 Social Media Influencers

Forty persons, combining independent social media influencers from different groups, and media aides, have ended a two-day intensive and practical training on news writing, community journalism, social media engagement and governmental media relations conducted by the Department of Mass Communication in the University of Maiduguri.

The training was approved by Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, after it was initiated by the governor’s media aides led by the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau, who stayed with participants in all two-day sessions of the training. The opening day was attended by the Senior Special Assistant on Media, Babasheikh Haruna.

The training, which held at the Elkanemi Hall of UNIMAID, began from Wednesday to Thursday, February 3 and 4, 2021.

Different topics were taught by specialized mass communication lecturers in theories and practicals.

A general overview on media law, ethics and governance was delivered by Prof. Danjuma Gambo,

basic news writing and structure, language and style of news writing were jointly taught by Dr. Nuhu Gapsiso and Dr. Amina Abana. Dr. Joseph Wilson and Dr. Sharafa Dauda taught Social Media in Government and Social Media Use and Benefits while

Media laws in detail was jointly delivered by Dr. Nuhu D. Gapsiso and Dr. Amina Abana. There was lecture on Information Management delivered by Abdulmutallib Ado Abubakar and another on preparing press releases, press statements and press conferences taught by Ibrahim Uba Yusuf. The last lecture was on managing VIP media content delivered by Musa Usman.

During the highly interactive training, participants were subjected to thorough practical exercises and group presentations on news and feature writing, handling press releases and statements as well as media content management. Lecturers critically reviewed the exercises and discussed feedbacks.

The participants were presented with certificates at the end of the training.

Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri, was represented by the dean, faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Danjuma Gambo, who commended Governor Zulum for approving such a vital training and enjoined participants to make the best use of the opportunity.

Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau, said the training is in line with Professor Babagana Umara Zulum’s knowledge-based approach to doing things.

He said the governor has been approving capacity building initiatives for different categories of persons particularly teachers and medical workers in the state.

Gusau hinted that a similar training will be organized for conventional journalists who have direct dealings with press unit of the government house. He revealed that already members of the Correspondents Chapel have chosen training on “Conflict and Post Conflict Reporting for Sustainable Development”, which he said is being discussed with trainers.

Senior Special Assistant on Media, Babasheikh Haruna, tasked participants to reflect the knowledge they acquired in their future approach to social media activities.

The participants in their different comments, thanked Governor Zulum for according them special consideration and promised to imbibe the knowledge gained.