The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has urged state governments across the country to prioritise the appointment of experienced and professional journalists as Commissioners of Information.
He said the move would promote effective information management, enhance public enlightenment and strengthen government-media relations.
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Comrade Yahya made the call in his goodwill message at the assumption of office ceremony of the newly appointed Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for appointing a professional journalist to head the ministry, describing the decision as recognition of the importance of professionalism in public information management.
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The NUJ President noted that professional journalists possess the requisite knowledge, practical experience and understanding of the media landscape to effectively manage government information and communicate policies and programmes.
He added that their professional background would help promote transparency, accountability and constructive engagement between government and the media.
Comrade Yahya urged other state governments to emulate Kano State by considering qualified journalists for similar appointments.
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He congratulated the new Commissioner and expressed confidence that he would bring his wealth of professional experience and media expertise to bear on the responsibilities of the office.
The NUJ President also expressed optimism that the appointment would strengthen relations between the Kano State Government and the media, while ensuring timely and effective dissemination of government policies, programmes and development initiatives.