The Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), is set to honour over 20 pioneers of development communication, along with individuals who have advanced the practice, at the upcoming International Conference on Communication and Development in Africa.
The event is being organised in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and will take place on May 2nd and 3rd, 2023, at the NSUK prestigious assembly hall in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
The theme of the conference is “Change Management and Data-Driven Strategic Engagement for Development” and it is part of ISDEVCOM’s 5th-anniversary celebrations.
According to the executive director of ISDEVCOM, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura the awards are a way to acknowledge the roles played by pioneer researchers, theorists, practitioners and different stakeholders in communicating development.
The honourees are Nasarawa State governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule; Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong; founder of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Centre of Excellence on Development Communication, Prof. Ogah Abah; Director-general, Nigeria Television Authority, Mallam Salihu Dembos; former director-general, NTA, Prof. Tonnie Iredia; former NSUK Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Mainoma; and Director-general, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe.
Other honourees are executive director, YIAGA Africa, Mr. Samson Itodo; Center for Communication and Social Impact, Mrs. Babafunke Fagbemi; Executive director, African Radio Drama Association, Mrs. Data Phido; Director, Agricultural Biotechnology department, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Dr. Rose Gidado; and the chairman, Unubiko Foundation, Chief James Ume (Ike Abam Onyerubi).
Institutional recognition for excellence in development communication go to ActionAid Nigeria and the Lagos-based Development Communication Network.
Others to receive the awards include the chairman, Plateau State Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Fabong Yildam; Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Abuja Council, Emmanuel Ogbeche; Per Second News, Mr. Femi Soneye; Chief of Staff, Adamawa State government, Prof. Maxwell Gidado, SAN, and the first Bassa PhD holder, the Aguma of Turunku, Toto LGA, Dr. David Tukura.
ISDEVCOM has been credited with championing curriculum development in science communication in Africa and has partnered with Sci-Dev of London, funded by Robert Bosch Stiftung of Germany. The institute has also popularised science communication in Nigerian universities and mentored the Makerere University of Uganda, as well as other institutions internationally.
The vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Suleiman Mohammed expressed his pride in what the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication has achieved in just five years. He also noted that the conference has become a veritable gathering of diverse experts from academia and practitioners in development communication, alongside policymakers, civil society organisations, key government institutions and the media. This year’s edition of the conference will explore how data has been a driver of strategic engagement for development.
In conclusion, the International Conference on Communication and Development in Africa, in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), is set to honour over 20 development communication pioneers and practitioners who have contributed immensely to the field.
The conference is part of ISDEVCOM’s 5th-anniversary celebrations, and it aims to bring together diverse experts from academia and practitioners in development communication, policymakers, civil society organisations, key government institutions and the media.
