In a bold move to strengthen communication between government and citizens, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to accurate and impactful information dissemination as a tool for public enlightenment and socio-economic development.
Speaking through the Kano State Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, who represented him at the opening ceremony of a four-day capacity building workshop for Senior Special Reporters (SSRs) and Special Reporters (SRs), the Governor described the training as “a call to service” and a reflection of the administration’s strong belief in education and information as twin engines of development.
The workshop, themed “Updating Basic Mass Communication Skills for Enhanced Government Communication,” was organized by the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs in collaboration with the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), and held at Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf emphasized that informed citizens are the foundation of a vibrant democracy, adding that trained, ethical reporters play a pivotal role in combating misinformation, bridging the gap between government and the governed, and projecting a transparent administration. “Your work directly influences public perception, accountability, and trust,” he noted.
He commended the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs for its visionary leadership and praised the IIJ for its partnership, describing the synergy as a model of collaborative excellence.
The Governor further expressed delight over the caliber of facilitators drawn from the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University Kano, and urged participants to embrace the workshop as a life-changing opportunity to upgrade their storytelling, ethical standards, and technical reporting skills.
He concluded by declaring the workshop officially open and charged participants to fully engage in the learning process, reminding them that every story they tell contributes to shaping Kano State’s future.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated that the training aligns with the state’s strategic drive to professionalize public communication and elevate the quality of government narratives across the media.
He clarified that while SSRs and SRs are not official government spokespersons, their active presence across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), coupled with their reach on digital platforms, places them in a strong position to project government programmes responsibly.
“They are the unsung vanguards of transparency and public enlightenment,” he added.
The Commissioner revealed that this training is one of seven organized by the Ministry since January 2025, amounting to a total investment of ₦116,205,800, a clear indication of the administration’s seriousness in human capital development.
He said the 132 participants, comprising 71 SSRs and 61 SRs, were carefully selected and remain integral to the state’s information machinery.
He commended Governor Yusuf for his consistent support and mentorship, stating that the Governor’s belief in accurate and impactful communication continues to drive the Ministry’s achievements in strategic media engagement.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Adamu Bala Muhammad, applauded the initiative and stressed the importance of the workshop in boosting the capabilities of SSRs and SRs to deliver credible, people-centered communication that reflects the realities and successes of government.
He also acknowledged the Commissioner’s leadership, describing him as a visionary whose commitment to repositioning the information structure of Kano State is yielding commendable results.
Credit: Sani Abba Yola
