Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a highly skilled, professional and digitally competent media workforce as Radio Kano commenced a five-day capacity-building workshop for reporters and editors to strengthen journalism practice in the digital age.
Declaring the workshop open at Gidan Bello Dandago, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has prioritized human capital development to equip journalists and information officers with the skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving media landscape.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening Journalism Practice in the Digital Age,” is organised by Radio Kano in collaboration with Moving Image Limited.
Waiya said the Ministry has consistently invested in professional development programmes to bridge capacity gaps in the media sector and improve service delivery.
He disclosed that more than 70 information officers have been registered with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
At the same time, about 150 journalists have been enrolled with the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), describing professional affiliation as critical to promoting ethical journalism and excellence.
The commissioner noted that the rise of digital media, coupled with the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, has made continuous training essential for journalists.
He urged media professionals to reciprocate the government’s investment in their development by upholding accuracy, objectivity, fairness, and responsible reporting.
According to him, journalists have a vital responsibility to provide citizens with credible information, particularly at a time when the state government is implementing numerous development projects and people-centred programs.
Waiya also revealed that the Ministry recently established a Multimedia and Digital Media Department to strengthen government communication and expand engagement with citizens across digital platforms.
He commended Radio Kano and its partner, Moving Image Limited, for organizing what he described as a timely initiative aligned with the state’s vision of promoting professionalism in the media industry.
The commissioner encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity offered by the training and challenged female journalists to strengthen their communication skills, embrace emerging technologies, and compete successfully on national and global platforms.
He assured participants that the Ministry would continue to partner with media organizations and training institutions to expand capacity-building initiatives to produce an ethical, vibrant, and globally competitive media workforce.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Radio Kano, Abubakar Adamu Rano, described the workshop as a strategic investment in the station’s future, designed to equip reporters and editors with practical skills for success in the digital media environment.
He commended Governor Yusuf for his unwavering support for human capital development and media institutions, while also praising Commissioner Waiya for his commitment to staff development and media professionalism.
