Gombe Governor Tasks Journalists to Harness Technology
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has challenged Nigerian journalists to embrace emerging technologies to enhance the speed, efficiency and quality of news delivery without allowing digital tools to undermine their professional judgment and core responsibilities.
The Governor made this call on Thursday as Guest of Honour at the official launch of Media Trust Group’s Converged Newsroom at the organisation’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
The facility integrates the editorial operations of the company’s print, television, radio and digital platforms under a unified system.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended the management of Media Trust for its remarkable transition from traditional print journalism to a multimedia operation, describing the development as a demonstration of vision, adaptability and commitment to the future of journalism.
He, however, cautioned that technology should remain a tool for strengthening journalism rather than replacing the professional judgment, critical thinking and public service responsibilities of journalists.
“Journalists must take advantage of technology to improve their work, but they must not allow technology to take over their functions. Rather, they should use it to simplify processes, improve efficiency and strengthen the quality of their output,” he said.
The Governor urged Media Trust to dedicate a significant portion of its editorial resources to public education, particularly on modern agricultural practices, climate change and sustainable food production.
He noted that greater media attention to these issues, especially across Northern Nigeria, would help farmers move away from outdated agricultural practices, embrace improved methods and contribute more effectively to food security and economic development.
Governor Inuwa also acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Gombe State and Media Trust Group, assuring the organisation of his administration’s commitment to sustaining and deepening the mutually beneficial relationship.
In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, commended the management of Media Trust for its proactive approach to media innovation, describing the converged newsroom as a commendable initiative that breaks new ground and demonstrates the importance of adapting to changing realities in the media ecosystem.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, praised the founder of Media Trust, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, for his consistency, vision and commitment to building a respected media institution.
The Minister stressed the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism, stressing that journalism remains a vital public service that must be guided by professionalism, accuracy and accountability.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Media Trust Group described the converged newsroom as a pioneering initiative, which he said is the first of its kind in West Africa.
He explained that the facility relies on technology, collaboration and audience data to strengthen journalism and build closer relationships with readers, viewers and listeners.
According to the Group, the converged newsroom brings together the editorial operations of Daily Trust, Weekend Trust, Aminiya, Teen Trust, Trust TV, Trust Radio and Digital Trust under a unified system designed to promote collaboration, improve coordination and accelerate news delivery across its platforms.