Jamila Sulaiman Aliyu
The Kano State Government KNSG has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical, responsible and professional digital journalism, describing the media as a vital pillar of democratic governance.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated this on Wednesday while declaring open a two-day retreat for members of the Kano Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Dutse, Jigawa State.
The retreat, organised by the Kano Online Media Chapel with the support of the Kano State Government, is themed “Strengthening Digital Journalism Through Ethical Practice and Responsive Online Engagement.”
Comrade Waiya said the training, the first of its kind for online newspaper publishers in Kano State, underscored the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recognition of journalism as a cornerstone of democratic practice.
He commended Governor Yusuf for approving and sponsoring the retreat, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to manpower development across key sectors, including the media.
The commissioner urged online media practitioners to uphold professionalism, accuracy, ethical standards and integrity in news gathering and dissemination, stressing that digital journalism must be clearly distinguished from unregulated social media activity.
“Online journalists are not the same as social media users. Digital journalism must be guided by legal and ethical decorum, not sensationalism or the rush for breaking news,” Waiya said.
He noted that the rapid growth of digital platforms, alongside emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, has made continuous capacity building and professionalism imperative for journalists seeking credibility at local, national and global levels.
Waiya also acknowledged the role of the Kano State Council of the NUJ in supporting the establishment and growth of the Online Media Chapel, attributing the achievements recorded so far to unity and cooperation within the union.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs is advocating for the enactment of a state Freedom of Information law in line with the federal Freedom of Information Act, as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and press freedom in Kano State.
In his remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Malam Usman Bello, said the government approved the retreat outside Kano State in recognition of the expanding influence and importance of online journalism.
He explained that similar capacity-building engagements had previously been organised for the Correspondents’ Chapel, adding that the retreat was designed to equip online journalists with skills to adapt to evolving trends and align with global best practices in journalism.
Bello noted that the reach and impact of online media transcend state boundaries, stressing that such training programmes would help shape journalism practice not only in Kano State but across Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel expressed appreciation to the Kano State Government and the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs for their support, describing the retreat as timely and impactful.
He urged members of the chapel to continue operating within established ethical standards of the journalism profession and in accordance with the social and legal frameworks of Kano State.
The retreat attracted editors, publishers and practitioners from various online media organisations operating across Kano State.