Kanem Press Digital Hub Trains Journalists and Activists on Reporting Historical Sites

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

Kanem Press Digital Hub recently conducted a training program for young journalists and activists from Yobe and Borno states in Nigeria, focusing on the revival of historical sites and monuments in the Lake Chad Region of northeastern Nigeria. The training took place on May 11th and 12th, 2023, at the Armani Event Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State.

During his opening remarks, Zanna Ibrahim Mustapha, the President of Kanem Press Digital Hub, emphasized the importance of reporting historical sites and monuments. He highlighted the numerous historical sites in the region and emphasized that their preservation is crucial for promoting much-needed development.

Zanna further explained that the purpose of the training was to provide journalists with in-depth knowledge on how to promote and revive historical sites and monuments. He pointed out that the challenges faced by the historical sites in Borno and Yobe states could be attributed to the lack of effective and comprehensive reporting by journalists.

Ibrahim Mustapha urged the participants to apply the knowledge they gained during the training and emphasized the significance of cultural heritage in their reporting.

During his presentation, Daniel Ishaya Mwada, the Chief Heritage and Site Manager of Rabi House Dikwa, delved into the history of the Lake Chad Region and showcased the region’s historical artifacts. He emphasized the importance of historical sites and monuments in understanding the past and revitalizing cultural heritage.

Daniel also stressed that training journalists and activists on reporting these monuments would contribute to a better understanding of the areas and their relevance to society. He called on governments at all levels and philanthropists to allocate substantial funds to museums to support the restoration of historical sites.

Dr. Bakura Mamman Gadai, another resource person, discussed the role of media in restoring cultural heritage. He highlighted that without knowledge of the past, society would struggle to find solutions to its problems. Despite the challenges posed by the insurgency in Borno and Yobe states, Gadai encouraged journalists to promote the cultural heritage of the Lake Chad Region. He emphasized that media should play a crucial role in changing the narrative by exploring and showcasing the historical sites and monuments.

Gadai also emphasized the importance of community leaders, traditional institutions, and religious institutions in revitalizing historical sites. He called on media professionals to write stories that would attract tourism to the historical sites and monuments of the Lake Chad Region.

Dr. Grema Kyari, the Executive Director of Elkanemi Peace and Development Centre, highlighted the significance of mentorship in reviving the cultural heritage of Yobe and Borno states. He encouraged journalists to raise awareness about the importance of historical sites and monuments through social media platforms.

Another resource person Amina Kyari, also spoke extensively on the importance of reviving the famous cultural traditions and heritages in the Lake Chad region of Borno and Yobe States.

She further reiterated how monuments will boost and enhance economic activities in the two states if properly figure out.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants expressed their gratitude to Kanem Press for organizing the training and affirmed their commitment to applying what they had learned. An interactive session between the participants and the resource persons provided further clarification, and certificates were presented to the participants.