In its efforts to ensure accurate and timely information dissemination to the general populace, the Kano State Government has announced its intention to collaborate closely with online media.
This was disclosed by the new Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a meeting with the Association of Online Media Guild at the headquarters of the State Ministry of Information.
“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. The media has been a very good friend to me, and we will work with you to fish out the quack ones among you,” stated Comrade Waiya.
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The Commissioner emphasized the need for regulation and collaboration with online media to ensure accurate dissemination of government projects and policies. “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 added.
Comrade Waiya expressed concern over sensationalism in journalism, noting that some journalists provoke the government with their stories without considering the consequences.
“The sensationalism in journalism is unbecoming. People are doing it without minding the consequences. Some journalists bring stories that provoke the government. Media is one of the fourth estates of the realm; be an intermediary between the government and the people. There are certain issues that you don’t need to write on. You can do things through investigation,” he said.
He shared an example of a journalist who discovered a village in one of the local governments in Kano without portable drinking water. “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,” Comrade Waiya stated.
The Commissioner also called for unity among online journalists in Kano and announced plans to train all information officers and public relations officers in the state on a weekly template. “We want to see more unity among online journalists in Kano. We want you to be more united. We will train all the information officers in Kano and the public relations officers on a weekly template,” he said.
He further highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating, “The government of Abba Kabir Yusuf wants to see things openly. We are going to champion the replication of the FOI law. We are going to have the practice of openness and accountability. His Excellency is much ready on that.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Association of Online Media Guild, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, expressed support for the Commissioner’s media-friendly approach.
“The composition of our members are professionals. We are here to congratulate you. We are in support of your move as a media-friendly person,” he said.
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Jos emphasized the need to check fake news and address misinformation, which has brought down many countries. “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 entourage included Abbas Yushau Yusuf, publisher of Nigerian Tracker; Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, publisher of Independent Post; Zainab Abdurrahman Mai Agogo, Head and publisher of Kakaki24; and Musa Best Seller, publisher of Alfijir Labarai.