Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, said he is aspiring to be a professional journalist not accidental, stating his reasons for enrolling into National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to obtain Degree in Mass Communication .
The commissioner disclosed this while hosting members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (Kano-Jigawa Forum) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, said to attain the objective, “I have already enrolled at the National Open University of Nigeria(NOUN) Study Centre, Kano.” He added.
Comrade Waiya, who described himself as a strong ally and friend of Journalists, noted his burning interest in the practice of journalism motivated him to obtain the necessary qualification.
He reiterated his ministry’s commitment to continued engagement with media stakeholders aimed at sanitizing information dissemination across media organizations in the state.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the State Government in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is supporting the registration of online media organizations in order to promote credibility and professionalism, especially in Northern Nigeria.
He also stated the government’s intention to prioritize capacity-building for media professionals through regular training and workshops, to enhance effective information management in the state.
Waiya pledged continued collaboration with the Nigerian Guild of Editors to promote professional journalism practice.
Earlier, Chairman, Kano/Jigawa Forum of the Nigerian Guild of Editors(NGE), Prof. Sule Ya’u Sule, commended the Commissioner for establishing a Media Trust Fund, which he said would go a long way in supporting journalists in the state.
Prof.Sule who is also the Leader of the Editors’ delegation applauded the Commissioner for empowering staff of the Ministry and Information Officers through seminars and training workshops aimed at improving their communication skills.
He Informed the Commissioner that the NGE would hold its Elective Convention in June in Enugu during which a new leadership of the Guild would be elected and invited him to be part of the event