Ministry urges journalists to be proactive in mines and steel reporting

The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has urge journalists to embark on immersion journalism in reporting mining activities in the country.
The Ministry said there are lots of important information journalists can bring to help enlighten the public.
Olu Jacobs of the Ministry of Mines and Steel stated this while delivering a paper on: “Understanding the role of the media in the mining sector,” at a seminar for journalists on mining on Wednesday in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Jacobs said a journalist simply needs exposure in order to be fully equipped in reporting mining activities in the country.
He also lamented the fact that the price of Dangote Cement keeps soaring despite the fact Nigeria is not importing cement.
Jacobs, while enjoining journalists to be abreast with the industry developments, urged them to report the health hazard involved in the trade as cases of lead poisoning have resulted to the death of many Nigerians.
Jacobs said: “Cases where people have died as a result of using their domestic items or kitchen utensils to handle mineral deposits should be shunned and government should also be put on their toes because they need also tom educate the citizens concerning safety procedures.”
While stressing also on the importance of journalists reporting the mining sector to curb financial leakages, Jacobs also stated that there is the need to highlight the opportunities in the sector to promote investment.
The Eagle Online reports that the media immersion programme is a three-day programme facilitated by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, with the theme: “On the Road to shared Mining prosperity… Emphasising Excellence in Mining reporting.”
It is being attended by journalists and stakeholders in the mining industry.