THE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has showered praise on the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., for his steadfast commitment to the growth of journalism and promotion of transparency in governance.
News Point Nigeria report that the commendation was made on Thursday by the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Usman Muhammadu Binji, during a one-day capacity-building workshop for journalists held in Sokoto, with the theme “Investigative Journalism in the Digital Era.”
Binji described the Minister’s sponsorship of 20 practicing journalists for the training as a clear demonstration of his belief in the power of the media to drive accountability, good governance, and national development.
“This gesture reflects Hon. Goronyo’s deep appreciation of journalism as a vital pillar of democracy and development. His continuous support for capacity-building initiatives reaffirms his commitment to empowering media professionals to serve society better,” the NUJ Chairman stated.
Comrade Binji emphasized that the workshop was more than just a training session, but a call to reflection and renewal of professional ideals, urging journalists to strengthen their role as agents of truth, unity, and progress.
“We must use our platforms not only to expose problems but also to propose solutions and tell stories that heal divides, promote peace, and foster sustainable development in our communities,” he said.
He noted that in an era defined by the speed of digital communication and the spread of misinformation, the workshop provided participants with the tools to improve accuracy, uphold ethical reporting, and safeguard the credibility of the journalism profession.
The Chairman of the workshop, Associate Professor Muhammad Sajo Sanyinna of the Department of Mass Communication, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, applauded the NUJ for its proactive efforts in advancing professionalism and capacity-building within the media sector.
According to him, the initiative is timely and strategic, as it prepares journalists in Sokoto State to adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by digital media technologies.
“For journalism to remain relevant and credible in the digital age, practitioners must combine integrity with innovation. This training is a commendable step toward equipping journalists with modern investigative tools and ethical grounding,” Prof. Sanyinna said.
Minister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, a lawyer and seasoned public administrator, has been widely recognized for his support for press freedom, accountability, and inclusive governance.
Before his appointment as Minister of State for Works, Goronyo served as Commissioner for Information in Sokoto State, where he championed media reform, professional collaboration, and transparency-driven governance communication.
The Sokoto NUJ reiterated its commitment to upholding ethical journalism standards and ensuring that practitioners maintain accuracy, balance, and responsibility in their reporting.
The Council also called on other political leaders and public officials to emulate Goronyo’s example by investing in journalism capacity building and creating enabling environments for a free, responsible, and development-driven media.
The event concluded with group discussions and training sessions facilitated by communication experts on digital verification tools, investigative reporting techniques, and ethical challenges in online journalism.
