By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Borno State Government has launched a new newspaper, ‘The Lake Chad Times’, at Amani Event Centre in Maiduguri on Saturday, August 31, 2024. The launch was attended by social media influencers, handlers, and other dignitaries.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, explained that the newspaper’s launch is part of a five-year strategic plan. He emphasized that the media space in Borno State is safe and harmonious under Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum’s leadership, who views the media as key players and partners in the Borno
The Commissioner called on all media practitioners to support and groom this novel, indigenous Newspaper outlet,” For too long our stories have been written by outsiders, this is without prejudice to the good work of the NUJ and the Correspondence Chapel.”
“It is good to have our own indigenous media houses so as to chart a paradigm shift by writing our own stories, our own way” added Prof. Tar.
He also advised that as an indigenous Media Outlet, Lake Chad Times Newspaper is expected to make reportages that are devoid of negative media narratives as Borno State emerges from the ruins of insurgency.
“Tell the world the positive improvements we have achieved in the post-insurgency era under Governor Zulum across all the developmental strides of Security, Education, Health, Agriculture, Housing and among others”, remarked the Commissioner.
Similarly, the SSA on New Media to Gov Zulum, Alhaji Abdulrahman Ahmed Bundi, affirmed that the doors of Gov Zulum are always open to support indigenous media entities.
Director of News of Lake Chad Times Newspaper, Zara Abdularahman, stated that the Online outlet is an initiative conceived by 21 passionate students of the Departments of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri and Borno State University during their Internship at Yerwa Express and other media outlets.
“Our scope focuses mainly on children, youths and women, who are the most vulnerable in our society today, as a result of the effects of the over a decade insurgency in Borno State.
“We are also working in collaboration with other media outlets for professional support to achieve our short, medium and long-term strategic plan” added Zahra.
The Honourable Commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Modu Alhaji Mustapha; Director of Administration and Supply, Babagana Mustapha; Director of Finance and Accounts, Buba Jarmai; Director of Culture, Mohammed Galtimari and among other senior staff of the Ministry.
The event had in attendance many dignitaries including the representative of His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno; the Director of Unimaid Radio and Public Relations Unit of the University, Prof. Danjuma Gambo; the NUJ Chairman Borno State Chapter, Dauda Iliya; the Editor-in-Chief, Yerwa Express News, Abduldhamid Al-Gazali, Members of the Armed Forces and Security Agencies, and among others.
Highlights of the event include unveiling of the 5-years development plan of the Newspaper, professional talks, a literary presentation and group photographs.
