When the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, marked the 38th anniversary of the creation of Katsina State, the chosen theme of its annual lecture struck me as both timely and urgent: “Democracy and Developmental Journalism: A Case Study of Northern Nigeria.”
For those of us who have witnessed the growth of the media in this state, the topic was far more than an academic exercise. It was a mirror held up to the profession, forcing us to reflect on the role journalism has played—and the role it should play—in shaping the destiny of our people.
The keynote presenter, Dr. Bashir Usman Ruwan-Godiya of the Department of Mass Communication, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, did not mince words. His central argument was stark: “Journalism cannot survive on government handouts.” As he pointed out, too many journalists have grown accustomed to relying on stipends, patronage, and press-release journalism. Instead of being independent watchdogs, they risk turning into mere amplifiers of government statements. That dependency, he warned, undermines credibility and weakens the trust the public should have in the press.
As one of the discussants of his paper, I could not agree more. From my own journey in journalism, broadcasting, and later in regulation, I have seen how this culture of dependency cripples the profession. I reminded colleagues at the gathering—where politicians, journalists, academics, traditional rulers, and security heads were all present—that journalists in Katsina cannot afford to wait for government largesse before telling the people’s stories. If journalism is to contribute to peace and development, it must go beyond recycling official speeches or celebrating government achievements uncritically.
That is why I urged the profession to embrace developmental reporting in its truest sense. Developmental journalism is not about blind praise or avoiding critique. It is about reporting in a way that educates, empowers, and engages the community, while also holding leaders accountable. It is about telling stories that help build society, but also questioning policies and decisions when they fall short.
This is not an entirely new conversation. Historically, institutions like the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and many state-owned stations, including our own Katsina State Radio and Television, have embodied this developmental role. They highlighted projects, celebrated progress, and reassured citizens. But the question has always been one of balance. Too much emphasis on “success stories” without critical verification easily turns developmental journalism into propaganda. What we need instead is a fusion of developmental journalism with ethical journalism: the balance of celebrating progress while exposing gaps that require correction.
Looking beyond Nigeria, there are lessons to draw from international best practices. In Kenya, journalists have been experimenting with what they call solutions journalism, which not only reports problems like unemployment or corruption but also highlights practical responses that communities and policymakers can adopt. In India, developmental journalism has often meant amplifying rural voices—using media to bring farmers’ concerns, women’s education, and health issues into the national spotlight. In the Philippines, community radio stations have shown how local media can combine developmental content with watchdog functions, making them both relevant and trusted by their audiences. These examples show that developmental journalism need not be reduced to cheerleading for governments. It can be rigorous, people-centered, and transformative.
As Katsina reflects on 38 years of statehood, these lessons matter more than ever. Our region faces insecurity, unemployment, and social dislocation. Journalism here can either be a passive recorder of government activity or an active partner in shaping solutions. The NUJ’s lecture offered a challenge, but also an opportunity, for us to choose the latter.
For me, the path forward is clear. Developmental journalism must be practiced with integrity. It should highlight progress, yes, but it should also give space to the frustrations of citizens, ask hard questions of leaders, and insist on accountability. Only then will it earn the trust of the people and serve as a real partner in democracy. That, I believe, is the message Katsina journalists must carry forward from this year’s lecture.
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