Limbigani Nyirenda, Executive Director of Easterner Visionary Youth, has voiced his concerns regarding the infringement of digital rights by political actors in the country.

Nyirenda stated that in their quest for power, political figures often disregarded the digital rights of others, particularly impacting media professionals’ access to information.

Speaking to Zambia Monitor in Eastern Province, Nyirenda elaborated on how these actions disproportionately affected media personnel, hindering their ability to report on certain issues freely.

He pointed out that media professionals sometimes encountered obstacles in accessing specific information due to concerns about political party affiliations.

“Media individuals are occasionally denied access to certain information because they risk being accused of aligning with a particular political faction,” Nyirenda stressed.

He urged both information consumers and political figures to recognise the inherent objectivity in news coverage, emphasizing the importance of impartial reporting.

In addition to concerns about digital rights, Nyirenda highlighted the challenges posed by language barriers, particularly for individuals in rural areas.

He noted that many people in rural communities were limited to one or two languages commonly spoken in their region, making effective communication difficult.

This, coupled with the predominance of English-language media outlets, created barriers to accessing information for those who do not understand English.

Nyirenda underscored the need for increased efforts to address language barriers in media access, advocating for more inclusive approaches to communication that consider the linguistic diversity of the population.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has restated his commitment and determination to making Nigeria self-sufficient in food production before leaving office.

Tinubu who gave the assurance on Thursday during the commissioning of the groundbreaking ceremony for the N169.7bn 84km Bida-Minna Road construction in the Niger State, promised that the Federal Government under his watch, would continue to partner with states that bring development to their people.

The president who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said with his policies, food production has been given top priority.

“For governments at all levels to grow, there must be cordial relationships. The Federal Government will support Niger to ensure that the desired prosperity is derived. Nigeria will be self-sufficient in food production during my administration,” he said.

“Road construction will save lives and create avenues for greater economic development.

“As a traditional title holder of Jagaba Borgu since about 20 years ago, I am also a son of Niger and I will be part of anything that will bring development to the people of the state,” Tinubu added.

The State governor, Umaru Bago who also extolled the President, said the construction of the Bida-Minna Road was a promise fulfilled.

“As encapsulated in our pact with Nigerlites under the New Niger Agenda, this groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the construction of the 84km standard dual-carriageway with streetlights, interchange, and underpass at both ends of the road, a promise fulfilled.

“This project is of paramount economic importance to us as a state. Therefore, the groundbreaking ceremony we are witnessing today is a paradigm shift from the usual lip services of the past.

“This demonstrates our commitment towards building world-class road infrastructure that will endure over time to make Niger a reference point in terms of infrastructure and socio-economic development in Nigeria.

“We are poised to change the negative narratives in line with our ambitious New Niger Agenda,” he said.