Call to action for journalists to embrace development journalism and C4D: Prof.Chinyere Okunna

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The Nigeria Guild of Editors with support from the Imo State Government and The United Nations Children's educational fund (UNICEF) held a two days workshop at the Bon Tripod Hotel Owerri,on the 23rd to the 24th of October 2024.

This workshop had in attendance editor's from different news paper companies, media outlets and mass media organisations.

In attendance was Prof.Chinyere Okunna, a communication development expert and the first female professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria and currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor at Paul University Awka, Anambra State.

Prof. Chinyere talked about communication for development and how the media is the centre for development.

According to her, development journalism is an approach where journalists focus on stories that promote social and economic progress, development journalism is about reporting issues with depth, aiming to highlight solutions, raise awareness, and drive change in communities.

She mentioned the core principles of development journalism which includes:

Participatory Reporting: The community isn’t just a source but plays an active role. Journalists gather input directly from community members, which ensures that stories are grounded in real issues faced by the majority.

Problem-Solving Focus: Rather than just highlighting problems, development journalism also explores solutions, often featuring projects, innovations, and policies that positively impact communities.

Ethical Obligation: Development journalists have a duty to represent marginalized voices, particularly those in rural or underserved areas.

Prof. Okunna emphasized that development journalism is a catalyst for change in any society. By placing the media “at the center of development,” she told journalists to collaborate with stakeholders, such as governments, NGOs, and community leaders, to push for policies or initiatives that genuinely serve the public.

She also highlighted what Communication for Development (C4D) is about:

According to her, communication for development is using communication strategically to drive social change. It involves using tools like radio, social media, community meetings, and even interpersonal communication to encourage informed decision-making and promote positive societal changes.

She outlined the Elements of communication development which includes:

Participatory: C4D is inherently participatory, with a strong emphasis on empowering people to voice their needs and become involved in the solutions.

Behavior Change: It often focuses on changing behaviors or attitudes to improve health, education, or livelihoods. For instance, a C4D program might work with communities to address practices that impact child welfare or environmental sustainability.

Local Culture and Context: C4D strategies are highly adaptable, respecting local languages, customs, and values. This localization enhances the effectiveness of the messages being shared.

Sustainability: C4D is designed to create lasting change, as communities internalize new practices, making them part of their culture.

Prof. Okunna views development as a “process of change” and for her “change is doable” and “every society requires development"

By integrating C4D with development journalism, media professionals can:

Promote Accountability: Report on how policies and programs affect communities, which holds decision-makers accountable.

Educate and Empower: Share knowledge on topics like health, environment, or economic initiatives, helping citizens make informed choices.

Foster Inclusive Dialogue: Create platforms for dialogue where community members can discuss issues and participate in decision-making processes.

This is  a call to action for journalists to embrace development journalism and C4D, using the insights shared by Prof. Okunna as a guiding force. Highlighting her call for media to be “at the center of development”  inspires readers to recognize the media’s essential role in promoting participatory, impactful, and lasting change in society.

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