Former Minister of Information and leader of Timbuktoo Media Services (TMS), Mr. Labaran Maku, has urged Nigerian journalists to shift their focus from political reporting to development journalism, emphasizing the importance of covering infrastructure and social intervention projects.

Speaking at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State on Thursday, Maku emphasized that media practitioners should prioritize reporting on essential amenities that benefit vulnerable populations, including roads, schools, hospitals, and basic services.

"Democracy in the country is not working as it should," Maku stated. However, he acknowledged significant achievements over the past 26 years, highlighting improvements in universities, road networks, water projects, and communication sectors.

The former minister stressed that "democracy is better no matter what" and encouraged journalists to focus their reporting on social interventions such as youth training programs, women's empowerment initiatives, skills acquisition, and technical services that promote self-reliance among citizens.

Dr. Mike Omeri, former Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who accompanied Maku, revealed that their team plans to tour Benue State comprehensively to verify projects implemented by Governor Alia's administration over the past two years.

The assessment aims to determine whether the current state government's projects have delivered tangible value to Benue residents, reflecting the development-focused approach to governance that Maku advocates for in media coverage.