By Bisi Bamishe
Communiqué
Global Patriot Newspapers’ Dialogue: “The Media of the Future: Bridging the Gap Between the West and People of African Descent”
The Global Patriot Newspapers’ Dialogue on the theme: “The Media of the Future: Bridging the Gap Between the West and People of African Descent” was held on Friday, September 20, 2024, as a side event of the Black Futures Summit convened on the sidelines of the United Nations Summit of the Future.
The international meeting, attended by personalities from the media, government, civil society, and academia, emphasized the importance of media representation for people of African descent worldwide. It also addressed the need for Africa and people of African descent generally to rebrand journalism for effective mass communication and to build influential international media platforms to close the wide gaps existing between the media of people of African descent and the media of the West. It focused on the future of people of African descent and the role of the media in shaping a new narrative about the potentials of African peoples worldwide. It emphasized the importance of people of African descent controlling their own stories, changing negative narratives about themselves, and having a clear vision for a better future.
The meeting criticized the tendency to repeat negative portrayals of people of African descent from Western media and called for media professionals to elevate their game to gain more respect and credibility. The speakers highlighted the issue of low trust in African media and the reliance on Western media sources by media platforms in the continent and elsewhere. The conversations ended with a call for African peoples to take control of their own destiny and to be proactive in shaping their future.
The panelists included Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group; Simon Kolawole, Founder and Publisher of TheCable Newspaper; Yul Anderson, President of the African American Future Society (TAAFS), Laolu Akande, Editor-in-Chief of Empowered Newswire and host of ‘Inside Sources…’ on Channels TV; Nicky C. Spencer-Coker, Spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the UN; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chair/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); Toyin Umesiri, CEO of Nazaru, LLC, USA; and Professor Akil Khalfani, Director of Africana Institute, Essex County College, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
The issues covered included:
1. Explore ways to develop and support African-owned media platforms
2. Focus on wealth creation and business education content for African and black audiences
3. Prioritize covering of African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and its potential for wealth creation
4. Invest in capacity building of and education for African journalists,
5. Develop strategies for incorporating artificial intelligence in journalism
6. Create a collaborative network for sharing positive African stories
7. Reduce reliance on Western news agencies for African content
8. Promote Diaspora investment opportunities in African media
9. Focus on telling African success stories and highlighting positive developments
10. Develop African-centered critiques of global issues and events
11. Improve working conditions and timely payment for journalists in media owned by people of African descent
12. Create global pan-Africa media platforms
13. Increase coverage of African diaspora communities worldwide
14. Educate African media professionals on African history and cultural views
15. Continue the dialogue on changing media narratives of people of African descent to combat disinformation and promote positive stories.
In a goodwill message delivered by Laolu Akande, the immediate-past Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, expressed support for the meeting and commended the efforts of Simon Ibe, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Global Patriot Newspapers and convener of the Dialogue, in promoting African courses and encouraged him to sustain the efforts.
Ably co-moderated by Tunde Akindele and Professor M.O. Ene, the meeting involved a diverse group of attendees, including senior journalists, scholars, clerics, activists, community leaders and family members, such as Pastor (Dr.) Toyin Laoye, Regional Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), the Americas 1, in charge of New Jersey and Vermont; Chief Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser, Media & Publicity to Nigeria’s ex-president Muhammadu Buhari; Dr. Remi Alapo, professor of Black Studies and Cultural Diversity, City University of New York (CUNY); and Mr. Eze Anaba, president, Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE).
Also present were Professor James Small, a scholar activist, pan Africanist, former bodyguard to Malcolm X, International Vice President, Organization of Afro-American Unity (O.A.A.U.) and Int’l Vice President of World African Diaspora Union (WADU); Chief Goddy Uwazuruike, Lagos-based lawyer and leader, Credibility
Group; Isaac Umunna, publisher of News Express online and Business Express magazine; Sufuyan Ojeifo, publisher, The Conclave; Prince Onochie Jon-Igwesi, publisher of Pacesetter magazine; Dr. Adeola Popoola, president of NIDO, New Jersey chapter; Chief Uzoma Nwagwu; Mr. Shawn Yearwood; Mr. Garfield Simpson; Mrs. Olanike Awoleye, CEO, Lord & Nike’s LLC; Mr. Obi Emekekue, former United Nations, New York correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); Mrs. Grace Yusuf, former NAN Deputy Editor-in-Chief; Prof. Mondy Gold, president, Ijaw Diaspora Council and chairman, NADECO USA; Surveyor Jide Adeyemo; Engineer (Mrs.) Temi Boyo-Aboderin; Publishers Emmanuel Malagu, Yemisi Izuora, Remmy Nweke, and Emmanuel Enebeli; Pastor Olatunji Jegede; Deacon Sunday Ode; Ms. Lilly Anyanwu; and family members, including Mrs. Florence Ibe, Sir (Architect) Linus and Dr. Mrs. Stella Korieocha, Sir Lawrence Ibe, Princess Caroline Onyesonwu, and Chief Dike & Lolo Maureen Ogbuehi.
In his closing remarks, Simon Ibe thanked everyone for participating and expressed gratitude for the insightful discussions, assuring that there would be a follow-up soon.
Simon Ibe,
Publisher/Editor-In-Chief
