Prof. Christopher Ochonogor, a Communication Expert, has emphasized the importance of involving communities in the formulation and implementation of development projects to ensure their sustainability and social impact.
Ochonogor made this call on Friday while presenting a paper at the maiden conference of the Department of Mass Communication at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt.
The paper was titled, “Navigating Communication Practice for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century.”
A lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, Ochonogor highlighted the need for participatory communication to amplify the voices of communities often excluded from development processes.
He noted that the rapid evolution of technology has created opportunities for communities to actively participate in their development.
According to him, development initiatives are more effective when communities are involved from the planning stage.
He urged media scholars and practitioners to leverage emerging digital tools in research that can promote positive social change and sustainable development.
“Digitalisation is a blessing to human society, but its use must be cautious and moderate,” he stated.
Ochonogor also advocated for the inclusion of media literacy in communication studies curricula in Nigerian universities.
He explained that equipping students with media literacy skills would better prepare them for the realities of the digital society and improve their professional competence after graduation.
“This will prepare students for societal and developmental challenges after graduation,” he added.
