FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Government (ABSG) has called for media collaboration to promote the activities Human Capital Development (HCD) in the State.
The Chairman Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Eno Jerry-Eze made the call while a keynote address at a two day capacity building training organised by the State Civil Service Commission for media practitioners in the State holding at Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre, Umuahia.
Pastor Eno who is the focal person of the Human Capital Development in Abia State said that the media training focused on enhancing reportorial skills and equipping journalists with skills necessary to report HCD – related issues effectively.
She underscored the need for a broader media coverage to ensure that HCD initiatives receive the needed attention.
“We want a broader media coverage. We want you to talk about the human capital development in all the things we are doing
“Our focus is on agenda-setting: prioritizing HCD in public discourse, Information sharing: Educating the public on HCD.
“Accountability: Ensuring government and stakeholders meet HCD commitments, Advocacy: Promoting policy changes for HCD, Community mobilization: Inspiring public support for HCD and Develop impactful HCD stories”.
The state HCD Focal Person noted that the National Economic Council in 2018 initiated the National HCD programme to address poverty and create sustainable economic growth in certain thematic areas of HCD including Education, Health and Nutrition and Labour Force Participation as well as agriculture.
She highlighted that the HCD Programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and pointed out that the HCD 2.0 in Abia would focus on implementation and overall governance and funding structure to ensure sustainability of the programme.
“HCD programme 1.0 is to set clear policy targets and multi-sectoral plans for investment in Human Capital and expanding stakeholder support”.
In his presentations, a media consultant6, Mr Bankole Ebisemiju stressed the need for media workers to be consistent with their content. Bankole stated that the media participation in HCD is for spreading authentic information, raising awareness and shaping attitudes towards skills, health and knowledge all of which are essential for economic development and social growth.
He advised journalists at the training to choose a particular sector in each work for proper identification of issues and make appropriate recommendations.
According to him, the report of any reporter should reflect the impact of the sector like health, education or agriculture etc.
He said, “The media can play a significant part in public advocacy work. Television, radio and press offer the opportunity to both reach decision-makers, and to influence wider public opinion.
Mr Bankole Ebisemiju also gave in details the roles expected of the media to achieve the vision of Human Capital Development in Abia State.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the participants, the Assistant Head of Information and Press, Government House Umuahia, Mr. Divine Nwankwo appreciated Governor Alex Otti and the State Civil Service Commission for organizing media training for journalists in Abia State
Mr. Nwankwo, who described the training as unprecedented and first in history of Abia State Government commended the resource person for his rich knowledge shared to the media practitioners and assured that they would put what they have learnt into practice and help in promoting the activities of HCD.
“I wish to thank very sincerely, Governor Alex Otti, OFR and the management of the Abia State Civil Service Commission for putting together this training for media workers in Abia State.
“This is first in history and very unprecedented. For the Governor to approve this kind of training for journalists means that he is committed to promoting transparency in governance and building a new Abia where the media could hold government accountable to the people”.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ifeyinwa.
HOC, FIC, ABIA STATE.
