The Forum of Information Officers has initiated plans to partner with the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) to strengthen the capacity of government information officers in modern media practice.
The move followed a meeting between the executive members of the Forum and officials of CITAD aimed at exploring areas of collaboration on training and professional development in line with emerging digital communication trends.
The proposed programme, to be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, is designed to train 44 Information Officers and eight Zonal Information Officers on modern media tools, online journalism, and contemporary communication technologies.
Speaking during the engagement, Chairman of the Forum, Sharif Zaharadden Usman Kofar Nasarawa, said the visit was to seek CITAD’s technical support in equipping information officers with skills required to function effectively in the digital era.
He explained that the training would enhance efficiency, credibility, and timely dissemination of government information, while enabling officers to maximise the use of digital platforms in reaching the public.
“The media landscape is changing rapidly, and information officers must be properly equipped to adapt to new technologies and innovative communication methods,” he said.
Representatives of CITAD — Malam Haruna Adamu Hadejia, Isah Garba, Shazali Sunusi and Zainab Salihu Usman — commended the initiative and expressed the organisation’s readiness to support the programme.
They noted that CITAD prioritises capacity development in information and communication technology as a vital tool for promoting democratic governance, transparency and sustainable development.
The meeting ended with a tour of CITAD’s online radio station where members of the Forum’s executive inspected the facilities and operational setup. A photo session was later held at the studio located on Samaila Adamu Gano Street, Gandun Albasa, near Trade Fair Market, Kano.