Maryam Aminu
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called on media professionals to prioritize responsible and accurate reporting in aviation coverage, emphasizing the dangers of sensationalism and the importance of fostering public trust.
This was the central message delivered during a two-day media workshop held in Nasarawa State, themed: “Driving Aviation Safety and Security Through Effective Regulation: The Role of The Media.”
The workshop, which took place from August 16-17, 2024, brought together aviation correspondents from various media outlets to explore the crucial role of the media in promoting aviation safety and upholding public confidence in the industry.
The event was organized by the NCAA’s Public Relations Department and facilitated by Tom Associates, with key presentations by Mr. Temitope Jegede, Managing Director of Tom Associates, and Dr. Ola Azeez, an expert in aviation safety regulations.
Dr. Azeez’s presentations focused on the NCAA’s regulatory powers and the importance of media partnerships in ensuring accurate and effective reporting on aviation matters.
He stressed the need for journalists to develop a comprehensive understanding of aviation regulations to report incidents accurately and prevent the spread of misinformation and unnecessary public alarm.
“In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly via social media, it is vital for the media to act as a reliable source of truth, particularly during crises,” Dr. Azeez stated.
He also underscored the significance of the NCAA’s autonomy in maintaining international standards within Nigeria’s aviation industry and urged journalists to grasp the complexities of the regulatory framework.
The workshop highlighted the importance of building strong partnerships between the media and regulatory bodies like the NCAA.
Dr. Azeez encouraged journalists to foster collaborative relationships with these entities, noting that such partnerships are essential for cultivating a safety-first culture within the aviation sector.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, discussing the challenges of reporting on aviation news and sharing strategies for improving the quality and impact of their coverage.
The workshop concluded with the adoption of a ten-point communiqué, which affirmed the participants’ commitment to responsible journalism and effective collaboration with the NCAA to enhance aviation safety and security in Nigeria.
One of the workshop’s highlights was a Kahoot media competition, where teams of journalists tested their knowledge of aviation safety.
The North East Team, comprising of Maryam Aminu, Ameh Gabriel, Promise Chioma, and Mrs. Mbamalu Uju, emerged victorious, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of the topics discussed.
Their win underscored the importance of continuous learning and collaboration between the media and aviation regulators.
Overall, the NCAA’s media workshop served as a vital platform for strengthening the relationship between the aviation industry and the press, ensuring that the dissemination of accurate information on aviation safety remains a top priority for all stakeholders involved.
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