Media Practitioners in Abia State have called on the State Government to prioritize greater inclusion of the Media in its Human Capital Development (HCD) initiatives.
The call is contained in a communique issued at the end of a two-day HCD training workshop, organized by the Abia Civil Service Commission in Umuahia for Media Professionals and State Information Officers.
The Communique which was signed by the Communique Committee Coordinator, Mr Ijendu Iheaka and the Secretary, Mr Divine Nwankwo, stated that the training focused on four thematic areas, including; Education, Health and Nutrition, Labour Force participation and Agriculture.
It also described the State Government’s efforts, through the Commission, to empower journalists in the state via HCD training as commendable.
The Communique stated that the Media had resolved to support the Government’s efforts to meet its HCD commitments, as it concerned the thematic areas by developing and publishing impactful stories.
It emphasised the Media’s readiness to collaborate with the Government to facilitate the achievement of Abia HCD target.
The Communique also recommended that journalists should be appointed as members of relevant Committees and to service positions for expanded public enlightenment on Government’s progress.
It advocated that financial provisions should be made for the Media in the 2025 Abia Budget to drive the State Government’s HCD Research and Reporting activities.
The Communique further recommended that “The Media should be integrated into the State’s information and data gathering mechanism with regular interface and press briefings on updates in HCD activities in Abia.
“The Abia State Government should ensure sustained trainings and Workshops at a pace convenient to it, to enhance efficient participation of Journalists in the operations of HCD coverage areas.
“The Abia State Government should develop a Communication Strategy to enhance the HCD initiative as well as put in place mechanism for regular HCD briefings.
