The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said the Online media has a significant role to play in driving the country’s digital economy goals.
The recognition came from the Commission’s director of public affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, who spoke of the critical roles the online media play in information dissemination across the globe.
Adinde who before becoming NCC DPA had taken on several responsibilities and acted in various capacities, which include heading the Digital Bridge Institute, where he had to interface with the media said the media has a major part in NCC success and would like to appreciate its contributions, timely and accurate dissemination of news and information regarding the Commission ‘s regulatory activities.
In this regard, Adinde said, the NCC would continue to support and collaborate with the Nigerian online journalists covering Information and Communications Technology.
Adinde, made the commitment today while speaking to online journalists that report the sector in a virtual meeting.
He said the media report and disseminate news have changed in fundamental ways by virtue of technology and the Covid 19 pandemic has also drastically changed the way “we communicate and interact with digital platforms becoming the norm for carrying out official and personal activities.
“The digital media environment has brought about new opportunities and challenges for online journalists. One of the many benefits of what you do as an online journalist is the real-time dissemination of information and the immediacy it involves.
“The availability of online news 24/7 and its accessibility and availability to consumers make your work very important, you are therefore constantly faced with the challenge of not only reporting events real-time, sometimes, but balancing that need for speed with the accuracy and integrity demanded by your profession.
“There has been a considerable increase in the number of people accessing the news via online platforms, especially among younger audiences, it’s our vision therefore to make NCC the leading public sector brand in the use of online media for organizational communication and stakeholder engagement”, Adinde added.
He said, the communications sector is the most vibrant and dynamic sector of the economy and requires excellent leadership and stewardship, which was the reason President Muhammadu Buhari recently approved the reappointment of Prof. Umar Danbatta as the EVC/CEO of the NCC for another term of five years which has since been confirmed by the Senate.
Adinde reiterated the Commission’s resolve in ensuring that Nigerians are enlightened and carried along on the Commission’s journey to advance the digital economy agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari and you the members of the 4th estate of the realm are indeed critical stakeholders on this journey.
He said that the meeting was organized to foster a relationship between the Commission and its reporters especially on the online platform, noting that online media plays a critical role in disseminating the actions of the NCC and the ICT sector.
He emphasized that 90 percent of the people that the Commission communicates with are online and urged the journalists to assist extend the reach of what NCC is doing to the rural communities.
He said: “NCC is the foremost telecommunications regulator in Africa. It prides itself with the culture of improvement. So, we value the media as our partners and will continually move together to take the sector to an enviable height.
He noted each the engages in any strategic is to the intent of moving from where it is to a new level.
“I am mindful of your track record and output over the years, they are everywhere. We want to continue the cordial relationship, thereby improving the mutual interest of our stakeholders”, Adinde said.
He pledged that before the end of the year, the Commission will hold a workshop for the online media journalists to improve their knowledge of the sector.
