By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
Borno State Government has finally launched a newspaper titled, “The Lake Chad Times” on Saturday August 31, 2024 at Amani Event Centre, off Muhammadu Indimi Way, Maiduguri amidst social media influencers and handlers among others.
While delivering his remarks as chief host who is also the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar, revealed the motive behind the launching of the locally based newspaper saying, “it is the unveiling of a newspaper and launching of its five-year strategic plan”.
He also reaffirmed that the media space in Borno State under the leadership of Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum is safe and harmonious, while noting that Governor Zulum views the media as key players and constructive partners in the Borno Restoration Agenda, and affirmed the determination of Gov Zulum to support indigenous news platforms.
Prof. Tar appreciated the NUJ and the Correspondents Chapel for standing firm with Borno State both in times of joy and agony, particularly during the peak of the insurgency.
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 Correspondent 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 reportage that is 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.
Zara Abdularahman, Director of News of Lake Chad Times Newspaper, 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, youth 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 five-year development plan of the newspaper, professional talks, a literary presentation and group photographs.
