Prof. Christopher Ochonogor, a Communication Expert, has called for the inclusion of communities in the formulation and implementation of development projects to ensure sustainability and social impact.
Ochonogor made the call on Friday while presenting a paper at the maiden conference of the Department of Mass Communication, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt.
The paper is titled, “Navigating Communication Practice for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century.”
Ochonogor, a lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt, expressed the need for participatory communication to amplify the voices of communities often excluded from development processes.
He said the constant evolution of technology had created opportunities for communities to actively participate in their development process.
According to him, development initiatives are more effective when communities are carried along from the planning stage.
The expert urged media scholars and practitioners to leverage emerging digital tools in conducting research capable of driving positive social change and sustainable development.
“Digitalization is a blessing to human society, but its usage must be done with caution and moderation,” he said.
Ochonogor further advocated the inclusion of media literacy in communication studies curriculum in Nigerian universities.
He said that equipping students with media literacy skills would better prepare them for the realities of the digital society and enhance their professional competence after graduation.
“This will keep students prepared for society and development after graduation,” he added. (NAN)
