Urging Tinubu Not To Ignore SOS By Hungry Nigerians Through News Stories, Photo News, Cartoons And Social Media Skits
To every Journalist that knows his or her onions, writing is more than just a means of communication. Rather, it is a powerful tool that can be used to inspire, persuade, and even change the world. Throughout history, Journalists have used their words to challenge social norms, and bring about personal transformation.
Despite the power that is inherent in written or printed words, not a few Journalism teachers believe that written or printed words become more powerful when a picture is used to illustrate a story. The reason for the foregoing cannot be farfetched as not only does a picture helps to enhance a story, it also tells a story on its own. When thoughtfully incorporated into the news, photos add context and comprehensibility. In the world of media, photos can make or break a story, thus positioning photojournalism itself as a vital craft in itself.
Also serving as a boost to the news story in the field of journalism, is the integration of cartoon into a newspaper. Given the strong messages, particularly political messages, which cartoon conveys to leaders, it is germane to say that it is indispensable. In fact, cartoons are an integral component in the framework of political journalism. They offer a brightly colored alternative to formal news reporting, providing light relief from the ever-increasingly gloomy political discourse. With the ability to distil news and opinion into a caricature, cartoons present accessible and instant commentary and analysis of current affairs.
For the sake of clarity, it is expedient to explain that cartoons are a unique form of journalism which contrast with conventional forms of communication. The images can cast a powerful interpretation on the day’s news. They explain and explore stories in manners that articles cannot. More effective than writing or video, they capture the imitable human nature of their subjects in order to humanize the topic they depict.
Without sounding mischievous in this context, it is expedient to opine that not a few politicians in Nigeria have been mocked with cartoons ostensibly to shame them, and compel them to turn a new leaf.
In fact, the satirical character of this form of journalism adds to its appeal. By combining humor with the latest political news, cartoonists can reinforce their messaging, focusing on the frequently ridiculous nature of stories. Nevertheless, rather than despise this cross-examination, politicians regularly defend them, using their depictions as indications of their relevance in public life.
It is expedient to point out at this juncture that cartoons do not only act as news sources, but they can translate into a historical record of the political climate. In a time when journalism is constantly evolving, political cartoons have remained a timeless method of political commentary. Particularly in a time of tremendous volumes of media output, the ability of cartoons to communicate a compelling and comprehensive message has undisputedly stood the test of time.
Ostensibly to strengthen the collective influence of printed words, pictures and cartoons in shaping the society, and also in speaking power to truth by targeting political leaders in messages been sent, comedy skits makers have in the recent times, particularly now that hunger in the land has become unprecedentedly critical, been calling on those in authority to come to the aid of the poor and vulnerable.
At this juncture, it is expedient to urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 36 Governors, Ministers and Commissioners and Representatives of the people in the Houses of Assembly; both at the national and state levels to listen to the biting hunger which the people have been facing since on May 29, 2023 when the ongoing administration under the leadership of President Tinubu was inaugurated.
The reason for the foregoing appeal cannot be farfetched as evidences abound that not a few families are sleeping hungry, even as businesses are collapsing, and people have been have been losing their jobs, not to talk of the cost of living that has continued to rise since on May 29, 2023.
In fact, it will not be out of place in this context to urge the government to consider or reconsider adopting policies and strategies that can give Nigerians hope while addressing the economic challenges in the short and long term.
Without this approach, not a few experts and watchers of Nigerian economy have been expressing the fear that the prevailing growing sense of hopelessness is capable of pushing the country into instability and possibly widespread protests just as recently witnessed in Niger and Kano.
Recallingthe fact that the president leveraged his campaign promises on the availability of foods, particularly Garri, Ewa and Agbado, it will not be out of place in this context to opine that that the hunger which virtually every Nigerian has been experiencing since May 29, 2023, is paradoxical, and falls in the face of the promises made by the president during his presidential campaign early last year. Without resorting to hurrying the president, it is expedient for him to exhibit readiness to bring his ‘Renewed Hope’ manifesto into interpretation.
At this juncture, it is germane to opine that this opinion could not have been expressed at a better time than now as the president and his team, and even his supporters are been lampooned, more than ever before, on editorial spaces, through cartoons and comedy skits, particularly as the people are famished due to the ravaging hunger in the land. The reason for the foregoing free advice cannot be farfetched as news, opinion articles, cartoons and comedy skits can be effective communication strategies because they are visual, memorable, able to simplify complex concepts, able to communicate across language barriers, and able to convey emotions.
