Chairman of Keffi Local Government, Nasarawa State, Idris Damagani, said conventional media still holds the ace in projecting and publicising grassroots developments.

Mr Damagani said this during an interactive session with journalists in Keffi on Thursday.

He said that the media, especially the conventional media, plays a pivotal role in projecting developmental strides, particularly at the grassroots, in spite of the presence of social media.

He stated “Many responsible Nigerians and Nasarawa state residents still rely heavily on the traditional media for accurate and objective news on developments at the grassroots. This is because these media outlets are more recognised and trusted. The reason some of us get carried away by social media is because it is close and available to the public 24 hours a day. But the importance and reliability of traditional media, including projecting activities at the local government level, can never be compared to that of the social media. Traditional media still remains the most reliable source of information.’’

According to Mr Damagani, the traditional media outlets still adhere strictly to the ethics of journalism – the reason for the public continuous reliance on them

“I want to assure you that as the chairman of Keffi LGA, I give importance and will continue to prioritise reports from the traditional media outlets. Social media can never take the place of traditional media,” he said.

The chairman urged the conventional media present to collaborate with the LGA to project activities that would benefit people at the grassroots.

“We urge you people to please come closer to us because we still recognise and value you as the main source of information to the public. You cannot be relegated or considered lower to social media,” Mr Damagani said.

In his remarks, Mohammed Auwall, who led the journalists, thanked the chairman for hosting them.

He said that the media would continue to synergise with the LGA for developments at the grassroots.

Mr Auwall assured that the journalists covering activities in the area would continue to be professional, unbiased, and objective in the discharge of their duties.

He said that they would also always seek clarifications where necessary from the LGA. 

(NAN)