The Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, organized a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the efficiency of local government information officers.
The two-day event held on Wednesday and Thursday at Grand Central Hotel, Bompai, Kano, also featured an interactive session with public relation officers, news and media managers across the state.
The event had the theme “Enhancing Communication Skills and Stakeholders Synergy for Effective Grassroots Information Flow.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, emphasized the importance of timely and transparent communication of government activities to the public.
He stressed that local information officers must serve as a vital link between the government and the grassroots population.
“Media managers should ensure that narratives are sharpened for easy understanding of government policies and programs.
“We must tell our stories with clarity and integrity. Information officers and media professionals should collaborate to promote unity and accurate storytelling,” Waiya said.
He further called on officers to build strong working relationships with journalists, social media content creators, and other communication professionals to ensure effective and inclusive information dissemination.
In his welcome address, Adamu Muhammad, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, said the workshop was designed to empower information officers to perform their duties more effectively.
He noted that the workshop theme aligns with ethical standards required for effective grassroots communication.
“Information officers are the frontline voice of government in communities, and they must be properly trained to communicate policies and programs efficiently.
“Similarly, news managers play a vital role in ensuring balanced and responsible media content,” Muhammad stated.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Tajudeen Othman, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, described the grassroots as the foundation of inclusive governance. He highlighted the need for information officers to share accurate, culturally sensitive, and timely information.
“Communication is not just about talking, but also listening carefully to the public,” Othman said.
The commissioner encouraged officers to collaborate with NGOs, CSOs, and the media to bridge the information gap and access credible data for public enlightenment.
