The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Online Media Chapel to curb misinformation and promote accurate, responsible, and security-conscious reporting across the state.
This commitment was emphasized on Thursday during a special meeting convened by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, with members of the Online Media Chapel at the Ministry’s conference hall.
Speaking during the engagement, Comrade Waiya explained that the meeting became necessary in view of emerging security concerns in some local government areas bordering Katsina State, where recent attacks were launched by bandits.
He stressed that the partnership between government and online media practitioners has become essential to ensure that residents receive factual, verified, and timely information, especially on sensitive security matters.
He emphasized that journalists must avoid narratives capable of distorting the state’s true security picture or affecting ongoing efforts by security agencies.
He further stressed that journalists have a responsibility to support efforts aimed at addressing insecurity rather than amplifying rumours, exaggerations, or unverified content that could worsen public anxiety.
He noted that online media plays a vital role in contemporary communication, with digital platforms capable of reaching millions instantly, making accuracy and professionalism more important than ever.
Comrade Waiya stressed that professionalism, accuracy, and adherence to ethical standards must guide the work of online journalists to ensure lasting peace and economic growth in the country.
To enhance coordination between government, security agencies, and online media practitioners, the Commissioner announced that the state is considering the establishment of a Joint Information Platform to provide timely, credible, and verified updates before publication.
This, he said, will help curb fake news and misleading reports often originating from social media platforms.
Comrade Waiya commended the Online Media Chapel for its continued commitment to professionalism and urged its members to remain steadfast in promoting accuracy, responsible reporting, and the public interest.
Responding, the Chairman Kano state Online Media Chapel, Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, assured the government of the Chapel’s commitment to ethical journalism.
He pledged that members will continue to refrain from publishing content that could fuel insecurity or mislead the public, reaffirming their readiness to work closely with the government on matters concerning peace and development.
