The Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has reiterated the ministry’s commitment to continued engagement with media stakeholders, aimed at sanitizing information dissemination across media organizations in the state.
He remarked while receiving members of the Kano-Jigawa chapter of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) at his office.
Comrade Waiya emphasized that the state government has no intention of dictating or compelling any journalist, but rather seeks to ensure sanity and professionalism in the information dissemination process.
The Commissioner noted that introducing reforms in the information and communication sector is very critical, expressing concern over the activities of a few individuals who have turned some media platforms in Kano into battlefields while defending their political sponsors.
He explained that the state government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), is supporting the registration of online media organizations in order to promote credibility and professionalism, especially in Northern Nigeria.
Comrade Waiya also reiterated the government’s intention to prioritize capacity-building for media professionals through regular training and workshops, to enhance effective information management in the state. He pledged continued collaboration with NGE to promote professional journalism practices.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Kano-Jigawa States Chapter of the NGE, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, commended the Commissioner for establishing a Media Trust Fund, which he said will go a long way in supporting journalists in the state.
He also lauded the Commissioner for empowering staff of the Ministry and Information Officers through seminars and training workshops aimed at improving their communication skills.
Prof Sule the Commissioner’s initiative to bring together political actors as a strategic move to curb insults and defamation in radio programs.
The Chairman of the Kano-Jigawa States Chapter of the NGE revealed that the Guild will hold its National Conference in June this year in Enugu State, during which a new leadership will be elected.
He appealed for the support of the Kano State Government to enable members from the state to attend the conference.
He concluded by assuring the state government of the Guild’s readiness to partner and support its efforts by publicizing its developmental activities.
Credit: Sani Abba Yola
