The Kano state government has rejected reports published by Wole Soyinka centre for investigative journalism which list Kano among three leading state in Nigeria that violated Press Freedom.
The state government in a Press conference by its commissioner for information and internal affairs Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya described the report as misleading, unfounded and malicious.
The Commissioner wards reads in parts “the attention of the Kano State Government has been drawn to a recent report released by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) titled “Shrinking Freedoms: 2024 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report”, which alleged that Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Kano State are among the top three states violating press freedom in Nigeria.
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The Kano State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, categorically and unambiguously rejects this claim in its entirety.
The report does not in any way reflect the true status of media freedom practices and civic engagement in Kano State. The report can best be described as a mere expression and figment of imagination of some armchair analysts, masquerading under the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
Kano State remains one of the most open, media-friendly, and journalist-supportive states in the federation. The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has consistently demonstrated a firm commitment to promoting press freedom, professional development and inclusive civic engagement.
It is on record that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has within his two years in office, received multiple awards as the Most Media-Friendly Governor in Nigeria from no fewer than five reputable print media organizations. These recognitions are a clear reflection of his open-door policy, accessibility, friendliness to the media, respect for journalists and communication professionals, as well as freedom of expression as guaranteed by the nation’s constitution.
It is therefore in line with this efforts, the Kano State Government is working to replicate the freedom of Information Act, in Kano State, as part of the commitment towards enhancing access to information and ensuring best practices of accountability and Transparency
In furtherance to the attestation of the media friendliness of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration, leading media outlets have recognised thus, including:
Vanguard Newspaper award” Titled “Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance)” for his outstanding achievements in education and healthcare.
Blueprint Newspaper named him “Governor of the Year 2025” for his remarkable contributions to the education sector.
Leadership Newspapers honoured him with the “Governor of the Year 2024” award in recognition of his leadership strides.
This Nigeria Newspaper, presented him with the 2024 “Courage in Leadership” Gold Prize for his bold reforms and people-oriented policies.
On the continental stage, he received the African Governor of the Year for Good Governance Award, presented by the African Leadership Magazine at a ceremony in Casablanca, Morocco, in February 2025.
Likewise, the African Heritage Magazine honoured him with the African Good Governance Award at an event held in Marrakech, Morocco, in April 2025.
Independent Newspapers, also conferred an award on the Governor, as ” Education Ambassador” during the Independent Newspaper 2025 Platinum Awards and Lectures
New Telegraph Newspapers named him “Governor of the Year on Education.”
In further recognition of his outstanding support for the media, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), at its 70th Anniversary held in June 2025, honoured him with an award as the Most Media-Friendly Governor in Nigeria. This rare distinction underscores the Governor’s national reputation as a leader who values press freedom and encourages journalistic excellence.
To further demonstrate the media friendliness of Abba Kabir Yusuf administration, the Kano State Government sponsored and hosted the meeting of the National Executive Council of the NUJ in Kano, an event that brought together journalists from across the country, an opportunity which allowed them to freely deliberate on issues affecting their profession, as well as undertook media tour for projects as a demonstration to our media receptive posture.
Moreover, the government, through the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, supported the establishment of the Online Chapel of the NUJ, in collaboration with the Union’s leadership — an initiative that recognizes the vital role of digital journalism in today’s media landscape, a rare feat aimed to further entrench and institutionalize new media practice
Kano State is also at an advanced stage of hosting national conference of the Nigerian Society of Broadcasters (NSB), which would aim at enhancing partnership, professionalism, ethics, and innovation in broadcasting.
Similarly, the Information and Internal Affairs Ministry organizes quarterly meetings with the Forum of Heads of Media Organizations in the State, providing a platform for idea sharing, performance review, and coordination towards effective information dissemination, ethical conduct and public enlightenment.
The State Government also enjoys a cordial and collaborative relationship with civil society organizations, and are engaged in all Government programmes and activities, particularly through the Ministry of Planning and Budget, Ministry of information and Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, and other relevant MDAs, working together on developmental programmes and policy formulation, to improving governance and service delivery in the state.
The Government of Kano State would continue to uphold the principles of free expression, responsible journalism, and open dialogue as pillars of democracy and good governance.