Writing By Khadijah Aliyu, Editing By Godwin Duru
In a strategic move to enhance communication between the government and the public, the Kano State Government has commenced a four-day capacity-building workshop for 132 Senior Special Reporters (SSRs) and Special Reporters (SRs), aimed at improving the quality of information dissemination across the state.
Declaring the event open, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, described the training as a call to service.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to transparent and impactful communication as a key driver of public enlightenment and socio-economic development.
“This training reflects our strong belief that education and information are twin engines of development. Informed citizens are the foundation of a vibrant democracy, and ethical, well-trained reporters play a crucial role in bridging the gap between government and the governed”.
Governor Yusuf commended the Ministry’s proactive approach and commended the International Institute of Journalism for partnering with the state to advance professional standards in public reporting.
He further urged participants to seize the opportunity to upgrade their storytelling techniques, ethical standards, and technical skills, stressing that their work directly influences public perception, accountability and trust.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, explained that the training is part of the state’s broader strategy to professionalize public communication and improve the quality of government narratives.
“While SSRs and SRs are not official spokespersons, their presence across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), coupled with their reach on digital platforms, puts them in a strong position to responsibly project government activities”.
He revealed that this is the sixth training organized by the Ministry since January 2025, with a total investment of ₦116,205,800.
He added that the participants were carefully selected for their roles in shaping the state’s communication landscape.
Waiya also expressed appreciation to Governor Yusuf for his continued support and mentorship, describing him as a leader deeply committed to transparency and effective governance through strategic communication.
In his welcome address , the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Adamu Bala Muhammad, highlighted the importance of the training in equipping reporters with the tools needed to deliver accurate, people-centered content that reflects the true achievements and challenges of government.
He commended the Commissioner’s leadership, describing him as a visionary committed to repositioning the state’s information structure for greater public impact.
The workshop is being facilitated by experts from the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University Kano, and is expected to improve the capacity of government-affiliated reporters to support a more informed and engaged citizenry in Kano State.
The workshop themed: “Updating Basic Mass Communication Skills for Enhanced Government Communication” was organized by the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs in collaboration with the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ).
Cov/Khadijah Aliyu
