The Kano State Government has announced plans to strengthen ties with online media outlets to enhance the dissemination of its programs and policies.
The Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, revealed this during a meeting with the Association of Online Media Guild at the ministry’s headquarters.
Speaking at the meeting, Comrade Waiya appreciated the association’s visit and expressed his commitment to fostering a productive relationship with the media.
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“They are August visitors and the first to come officially. I thank you for the visit and the congratulatory letter. I have been working closely with the media, and there are many issues of concern. I now speak on behalf of the government, which is also a people-oriented government,” he stated.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of regulating online media to ensure accurate reporting while addressing issues of sensationalism. “We will liaise with you to regulate. The government has executed a lot of projects, and it needs to be disseminated. Criticism could be a very good one. You draw attention to certain issues; let our attention be clear,” he said.
He noted that some sensational stories provoke the government unnecessarily, urging journalists to prioritize investigative reporting. “The sensationalism in journalism is unbecoming. People are doing it without minding the consequences. Media is one of the fourth estates of the realm; be an intermediary between the government and the people,” he advised.
Comrade Waiya cited an example where a journalist uncovered a village in Kano without access to potable drinking water, which led to swift government intervention. “When I saw the video, I sent it to the Governor, and action was immediately taken. I am ready to liaise with you to fish out quacks,” he added.
The Commissioner further stressed the need for unity among online journalists and announced plans for capacity-building initiatives for information and public relations officers. “We want to see more unity among online journalists in Kano. We will train all the information officers in Kano and the public relations officers on a weekly template,” he disclosed.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to openness and accountability, Comrade Waiya stated, “The government of Abba Kabir Yusuf wants to see things openly. We are going to champion the replication of the FOI law. His Excellency is much ready on that.”
In response, the Chairman of the Association of Online Media Guild, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, commended the Commissioner’s proactive approach to media relations. “We are here to congratulate you. We are in support of your move as a media-friendly person,” Jos said.
He also emphasized the association’s role in combating fake news and misinformation. “We need to check fake news and address misinformation, which brought down many countries. We are committed to disseminating government information for public interest and consumption,” he added.
The delegation included notable publishers such as Abbas Yushau Yusuf of Nigerian Tracker, Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo of Independent Post, Zainab Abdurrahman Mai Agogo of Kakaki24, and Musa Best Seller of Alfijir Labarai.
