By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Stakeholders in the media and development sectors on Tuesday said Africa’s inclusive growth will remain a mirage unless journalists amplify marginalized voices, deepen accountability, and embrace modern storytelling tools that bridge widening information gaps across the continent.
Speaking at the 9th Africa Conference on Development Journalism (ACDJ2025) in Kaduna, Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the continent must urgently rethink the role of the media in shaping a future that is inclusive, secure, and people-centred.
The conference, organized by the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF), drew participants from across Nigeria and beyond.
Maiyaki, delivering the keynote address, said Africa stands at a crossroads where expanding digital platforms coexist with deepening gaps in trust, access, credibility, and media literacy.
According to him, “Africa has never had more voices, but we are not always bridging the right gaps.”
He noted that the global communication order still sidelines African perspectives, making it imperative for the continent to tell its stories through its own lenses.
He reminded participants that the concerns raised decades ago by the MacBride Commission remain valid today, stressing that Africa must no longer allow its narratives to be filtered by others.
“Africa does not seek sympathy; it seeks equal footing,” he said. “When Africans define their own stories, the world sees Africa’s truth, not its stereotypes.”
Highlighting Kaduna State’s recent reforms, the Commissioner said Governor Uba Sani’s re-establishment of the Ministry of Information symbolises government’s commitment to openness and public accountability.
He said a government that desires public trust must be visible, communicative and willing to listen.
Maiyaki also pointed to the Project 255 initiative, which allocates ₦100 million to each of Kaduna’s 255 wards in the 2026 budget to determine and execute their own capital projects.
He said the approach embodies participatory democracy and places development decisions directly in the hands of the people.
He added that the Kaduna Peace Model, a community-owned peace and security framework, was designed to integrate traditional rulers, women, youth, religious leaders, civil society and the media into the state’s conflict-resolution structure.
“Security works best when citizens are co-authors, not bystanders,” he noted.
Describing development journalism as a nation-building tool, the Commissioner urged the media to elevate public consciousness rather than inflame division.
He said journalists must prioritize reporting that highlights solutions, supports social cohesion and reflects the realities of rural and underserved communities.
Maiyaki called for stronger investment in data journalism, fact-checking, community media and digital literacy, saying misinformation and sensationalism remain major threats to democracy and inclusive development.
“Trust is the currency of democracy, and without it, development becomes an illusion,” he warned.
Earlier, Executive Director of AMDF, Sekyen Dadik, said the conference theme, “Media, Inclusive Development: A Call to Action for Africa’s Future,” reflects the urgent need for journalism to foster equitable and sustainable development across the continent.
She said Africa’s development story requires media that can amplify marginalized voices and hold leaders accountable.
Dadik noted that the first panel session was dedicated to persons with disabilities in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, stressing the importance of inclusive representation and unhindered access to information for all groups.
She said the two-day conference would examine gender, climate, agriculture, youth participation and journalists’ mental well-being.
She announced that next year’s conference theme and dates would be unveiled on Wednesday, and encouraged academics, development experts and journalists to continue partnering with AMDF to strengthen home-grown knowledge and media capacity.
She also applauded partners such as Sightsavers Nigeria, Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre, MTN, KSMC and Daily Trust Foundation for supporting this year’s event.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Comrade Abdulgafar Alabelewe, in a goodwill message, said the conference remains a vital platform for deepening professional capacity and reinforcing journalism’s central role in Africa’s sustainable development agenda.
He described the theme as timely and compelling, given widening inequalities across the continent.
He commended AMDF for sustaining the conference and for offering 10 complimentary slots to NUJ members. He assured that the beneficiaries would maximise the opportunity and contribute meaningfully to the discourse aimed at strengthening development journalism.
Alabelewe said inclusive development requires informed citizens, accountable leadership, and a free, ethical and professional media sector. He urged journalists to continue promoting voices from all social segments, especially those often excluded from mainstream narratives.
Participants are expected to spend two days engaging in panel discussions, trainings, and networking sessions aimed at repositioning African journalism as a driver of inclusive development. The conference continues on Wednesday.
