Tamani Yusuf
Kaduna-based media consultant, Tamani Yusuf, has tasked the media to stop promoting negative model for Adolescent and Young Persons (AYPs) in their reportage.
Yusuf, a former Managing Director, Kaduna State Media Corporation, gave the task in Keffi, Nasarawa State, while speaking on in two-day meeting co-organized by United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, tagged “Role of the Media As Advocates Towards Addressing AYP To Make the Right Choices On HIV/PMTC Issues”.
Yusuf stated that AYPs are influenced greatly by what they see on television stations, newspapers, social media and what they hear on radio, among others, enhance the need for the media to avoid reporting negative model.
As stated by her, AYPs are influenced by musicians, actors and celebrities, among others.
“We should present positive role models and we should avoid promoting negative role models.
“We need to know that as media executives, producers, reporters and journalists, we have a moral responsibility towards sensitising and mobilising all stakeholders on issues that concern the health and wellbeing of AYPs in our various communities, most especially on HIV/PMTCT issues.
“We need to commence strong advocacy programmes for AYP, to inform, educate and enhance involvement of the community on all on-going programmes for women, children on HIV prevention as well PMTCT.
“We need to realise that what we are doing now is important to our generation, and generations yet unborn,” she said.
The media consultant also called on journalists to promote issues that would encourage the AYPs to make correct choices in their interest and for the overall development of the country.
While addressing parents, she enjoined them on the need to inculcate strong religious, social and cultural values, adding that parents need to be good role models for AYPs.