Boulsa: The High Commissioner of the province of Namentenga, Adama Conseiga, chaired a pivotal training workshop on November 28 and 29, 2024, in Boulsa. The event was centered on empowering journalists and influencers from the Center-North region under the theme “Security challenges and affirmation of patriotism and national sovereignty: Contribution of journalists and influencers of Namentenga for proactive communication.” A significant focus was on the certification of the Burkina Information Agency (AIB) page, a matter of growing concern among participants.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the workshop, held in Boulsa, the capital of Namentenga province, was attended by notable figures such as the regional director of Communication and Media of the Center-North, Wenceslas Anselme Wend-Kouni Yoni, and the provincial director of Culture, Arts and Tourism of Namentenga, Etienne Sandouidi. This gathering was welcomed as a pioneering event, addressing the certification issue of the AIB page, a primary
concern among attendees.
The discussions, revolving around security challenges and the role of media in promoting patriotism and national sovereignty, saw contributions from AIB correspondents of Bam, Sanmatenga, and Namentenga, along with influencers from Namentenga. In the face of Burkina Faso’s challenging security context, participants shared strategies for effective communication and information dissemination, emphasizing the importance of not exacerbating tensions.
Jean-Baptiste Damiba, a communicator and provincial correspondent of AIB in Namentenga, delivered a presentation on the concept of influencers, highlighting their objectives, categories, and the critical role journalists play in the current climate of Burkina Faso. The session delved into the distinctions between journalists and communicators, the criteria for becoming a public utility media, and the pros and cons associated with it, along with the nature of content on influencers’ pages.
Participants exchanged personal experiences and cha
llenges faced in their professional endeavors, aiming to minimize risks moving forward. They emphasized the need for influencers to maintain a clear editorial line, tailor content towards fostering peace in Burkina, and avoid conflating their platforms with others.
Jean Paul Sawadogo, an influencer, expressed that the workshop has equipped him to better contribute to peace promotion. Meanwhile, Adama Conseiga urged other active influencers in Boulsa to engage in future workshops. He commended the regional director of communication and media for initiatives that help stabilize the social environment and praised participants for their contributions to the workshop’s success.