………….Gov. Yusuf Urges States to Adopt Kano’s Special Reporters Initiative.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has called on state governments across Nigeria to emulate Kano’s Special Reporters Initiative, describing it as an innovative model for strengthening government communication, enhancing public enlightenment and promoting development.
Speaking at the Arewa Media Summit in Kano, the Governor disclosed that Kano is the first state in the country to establish the positions of Senior Special Reporters and Special Reporters as part of efforts to improve communication between government and the people.
According to the Governor, the Special Reporters are responsible for documenting and publishing the developmental programmes and achievements of both the Federal and Kano State governments while also enlighten citizens on government policies and programmes.
Governor Yusuf said the initiative has significantly improved the dissemination of government information, strengthened citizens’ participation in governance and created meaningful employment opportunities for young people.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the inaugural, has called on media professionals in Northern Nigeria to uphold ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, saying the region’s future will be shaped not only by developmental projects but also by the stories told about its people and its potential, “The future of Northern Nigeria will not be determined only by the quality of our roads, farms or our industries. It will also be shaped by the quality of our ideas and the stories we tell about ourselves,”.
The Minister also stated that, the media remains one of the most powerful forces for shaping public opinion, attracting investment, preserving culture, strengthening democracy and promoting national unity. “The theme of this Summit, ‘Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice, reminds us that democracy works best when government is accountable, citizens participate responsibly, and the media performs its constitutional role with professionalism, fairness and integrity. These are the partners in building a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria,” he said.
The Minister noted that while digital technology has created new opportunities for communication and economic growth, it has also increased the spread of misinformation and disinformation. “Falsehood often travels faster than truth. That is why professional journalism has never been more important. Credible journalism must continue to stand for accuracy, fairness, verification and responsibility,” he stated.
Highlighting the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister said the Federal Government is investing in infrastructure, education, security and economic reforms to unlock opportunities across the country. He cited the Four Legacy Highway Projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and ongoing investments in rail, energy and logistics as key initiatives driving growth, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
He also highlighted two major milestones under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) and the launch of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform. “These initiatives will strengthen responsible journalism, expand access to quality broadcasting, create jobs, promote local content and position Nigeria as a leader in the fight against misinformation and disinformation,” the Minister said.
The summit was attended by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf; the Executive Governor of Yobe state, ably represented by the SSG of Yobe State, Dr. Mohammed Goje; the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, ably represented by Honourable Commissioner of Information Kebbi State, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK; the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga; the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun; thePresident of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, the Honourable Commissioner of Information, Kaduna State, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, amongst other important dignitaries.
Signed
Muazu Mukhtar HOC
FIC Kano State
