Report by Khadijah Aliyu; Editing by Basirat Memudu
The Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop for information officers.
The workshop aims at strengthening grassroots communication through the empowerment of Local Government Information Officers.
The workshop, themed “Enhancing Communication Skills and Stakeholders’ Synergy for Effective Grassroots Information Flow,” also features an interactive session with news managers and media professionals.
Declaring the event open, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, highlighted the importance of clear, accessible, and collaborative communication in governance.
“In today’s dynamic information environment, the role of Information Officers cannot be overemphasized. They are the bridge between policy and the public, and between government intentions and public perception,” he said.
The Commissioner further called for stronger collaboration among ministries, media stakeholders, and citizens to foster a unified communication ecosystem grounded in truth, professionalism, and responsible information management.
Comrade Waiya described the workshop as not just a training session, but a call to action urging participants to fully engage, contribute meaningfully, and adopt effective strategies to improve communication at the grassroots level throughout Kano State.
He commended the Ministry for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs for sponsoring the initiative through its development programmes, describing the support as a testament to the government’s dedication to human capital development and public enlightenment.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Tajuddin Othman, encouraged Information Officers to actively report government developmental projects and engage their communities in identifying pressing local needs requiring governmental intervention.
Welcoming participants, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Bala Muhammad, noted that the workshop is designed to enhance the competence and professionalism of Information Officers while instilling a renewed sense of purpose in their grassroots communication roles.
The event featured presentations titled Enhancing the Role of Local Government Information Officers in Grassroots Engagement and Mobilization, Updating Media English Skills for Effective Grassroots Reporting as well as Essentials of News Writing, Press Releases, and Press Statements by renowned academicians and veteran journalists.
