Lukman Abdulmalik
The Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, in collaboration with the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) and AUSAM Communications Ltd, has organized a four-day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening the communication skills of Senior Special Reporters (SSRs) and Special Reporters (SRs).
With the theme “Updating Basic Mass Communication Skills to Enhance Government Communication,” the workshop seeks to equip government-affiliated reporters with modern tools to effectively disseminate accurate information and counter the spread of misinformation.
A total of 132 participants are attending the training, including 17 official reporters and 61 special reporters, carefully selected from various ministries, departments, and agencies.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Bala Adamu Muhammad, welcomed participants and described the training as timely and essential.
He emphasized the important role of SSRs and SRs in delivering credible information to the public and urged them to put the knowledge gained to practical use.
Director of the IIJ, Dr. Emman Usman Shehu, expressed pride in partnering with the Kano State Government to deliver the workshop.
He said, “In this information age, continuous capacity building is vital in the fight against fake news and disinformation.
“This training provides reporters with the skills to identify and counter false narratives while safeguarding the public from misinformation.”
He encouraged participants to uphold journalistic excellence, stating that the workshop would offer practical tools for modern, effective communication.
Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the opening ceremony, the Head of Service, Abdullahi Isah, reiterated the administration’s commitment to using accurate information dissemination as a cornerstone for public education and socio-economic development.
“Education is the bedrock of any society,” Isah said. “An informed citizenry is critical to the success of our democracy and economy.
“That is why this administration prioritizes information dissemination not only as a communication tool but also as a force for transparency and a bridge between government and the governed.”
He described the workshop as part of the government’s long-term strategy to strengthen communication systems and ensure that public messaging is effective, inclusive, and responsive.
In his closing remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the training was deliberately designed to modernize the way government activities are reported and communicated.
“This training aims to improve public sector reporting and foster greater engagement with the public through transparent and strategic communication,” he said.
The workshop featured lectures and practical sessions led by mass communication experts from Bayero University, Kano (BUK), offering participants hands-on training in contemporary reporting techniques.
The initiative underscores the Kano State Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance media professionalism and ensure effective public communication in a rapidly evolving information landscape.
