KANO State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called on conventional and social media practitioners to promote factual reporting, patriotism and active citizen participation as essential tools for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
News Point Nigeria reports that the call was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, following the governor’s address at the one-day Arewa Media Summit held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf made the appeal while declaring open the summit, which was organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment in collaboration with the Kano State Government.
He urged the media to remain committed to truth, bridge generational divides, amplify the voices of the people and encourage responsible civic engagement in order to deepen democratic governance.
The governor described the theme of the summit, “Government, Citizens’ Accord, Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,” as timely, noting that it provides an opportunity to strengthen governance, accountability and public trust through ethical journalism.
According to him, responsible journalism and access to credible information remain essential for national development and the successful implementation of government reforms.
Governor Yusuf further stated that the Kano State Government has continued to support media development by protecting press freedom and creating an enabling environment for journalism to flourish.
Highlighting some of his administration’s achievements in the media sector, the governor cited the establishment of Northern Nigeria’s first Online Media Chapel, the sponsorship of information officers for registration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the registration of journalists with the Nigerian Society of Broadcasters (NSB).
He also commended the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for strengthening information management across the country, while praising Abdulaziz Abdulaziz for promoting professionalism and ethical journalism.
Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the future of Northern Nigeria depends not only on investments in infrastructure and agriculture but also on credible journalism, responsible communication and effective storytelling.
In his remarks, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz said the summit was organised to promote accuracy, fairness and professionalism in reporting government activities.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said Governor Yusuf’s sustained investment in the training and retraining of media practitioners has strengthened journalism practice in the state.
The summit was attended by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, ministers, lawmakers, academics, media professionals and participants drawn from across Northern Nigeria.