Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has emphasized the importance of Public Relations (PR) in strengthening trust between institutions and the public, describing it as a cornerstone for sustainable growth and effective governance.
READ ALSO: Gov Yusuf mourns Prof. Hafizu Miko Yakasai
The governor made the call during the opening of the 2025 Annual Workshop of the Nigerian Customs Service Public Relations Unit, hosted at Bayero University, Kano. He was represented at the event by his Director General of Media and Public Relations, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa.
Governor Yusuf noted that PR remains one of the most demanding professions, often overlooked when successful yet swiftly blamed when challenges arise. He explained that in today’s dynamic media environment, communication has gone far beyond ceremonial announcements and press releases, urging institutions to use professional PR practices to earn credibility and public confidence.
Speaking on the workshop theme, “Beyond Masters of Ceremonies: The Strategic Role of Public Relations Officers for Institutional Growth and Stakeholder Trust,” he highlighted the role of PR officers in shaping perception, building reputations, and communicating policies. According to him, without effective communication strategies, government initiatives risk losing connection with citizens, thereby weakening accountability and reducing civic engagement.
The governor highlighted his administration’s open and media-friendly approach as a model that has boosted public confidence in Kano. He encouraged PROs across the country to embrace technology, artificial intelligence, and digital analytics, while maintaining core human values of empathy, honesty, and responsibility.
He further commended the Nigerian Customs Service and its spokesperson, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, for convening the workshop, describing it as a timely effort to advance professionalism in the PR field. He also congratulated participants, urging them to leverage the training to sharpen their skills and contribute to national development.
