The Kano State House of Assembly KNHA, has organised a one-day workshop for journalists covering its activities, aimed at strengthening legislative reporting and promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Speaker of the Assembly,Ryt Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore, emphasised the critical role of the media in sustaining democracy.
Represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and member representing Dawakin Kudu constituency, Shuaibu Rabiu, the Speaker described the training as both timely and necessary.
He noted that the legislative process is often complex, involving procedures, rules, and deliberations that require proper understanding for accurate reporting.
According to him, journalists covering the Assembly must be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to interpret and communicate legislative activities effectively to the public.
“The media, as the Fourth Estate of the realm, serves as a bridge between the legislature and the citizens. Your work ensures transparency, accountability, and public enlightenment—principles that are fundamental to democratic governance,”
Falgore stated that the objective of the workshop is to strengthen the partnership between the legislature and the media, enhance journalists’ capacity to report objectively and responsibly, and promote informed public discourse.
He added that the training was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of legislative reporting, improve professional engagement, and guide journalists on effective reporting mechanisms that support transparency and accountability.
He urged participants to actively engage in the sessions, ask questions, and share experiences to maximise the benefits of the training.
Also speaking, the Clerk of the Assembly, Alhaji Bashir Idris Diso, represented by the Director information and Publications,Alhaji Aminu Zubairu, commended the organisers, including the House Committee on Information and Jibal Communications, for their commitment to strengthening democratic governance through media capacity building.
Diso highlighted the importance of the legislature as a key arm of government responsible for lawmaking, representation, and oversight, stressing that its effectiveness depends not only on its activities but also on how they are communicated to the public.
He noted that legislative reporting is a specialised field requiring a sound understanding of parliamentary procedures, policy discussions, and legislative processes. Accurate and balanced reporting, he said, is essential for promoting public trust and accountability.
The Clerk, however, expressed concern over instances of misreporting of legislative proceedings, which he said could mislead the public, create unnecessary tension, and undermine democratic institutions.
“This highlights the need for continuous training and engagement between the legislature and the media,”
He explained that the workshop was designed to bridge knowledge gaps by providing journalists with deeper insights into legislative operations, including how bills are initiated and passed, committee functions, rules governing debates, and oversight responsibilities.
Some of the participants Sulaiman Dahiru Liman, Abbas and Samira Hamisu promised to use the knowledge judiciously.
They commended the speaker and principal officers for organising the workshop.
Participants were reminded that beyond reporting events, journalists play a vital role as interpreters of governance, educators of the public, and watchdogs of democracy.
The workshop is expected to enhance the quality of legislative coverage in Kano State and strengthen collaboration between the media and the Assembly in promoting transparency and good governance.