The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sanitizing media content, particularly in political broadcasts.
The Commissioner made this statement during a meeting with broadcast stations organized by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Comrade Waiya noted that since assuming office, he has engaged with key stakeholders, including the Gauta Club, Heads of the Kano Media Forum, the Kano State Political Presenters Association, and the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters.
He said these engagements aim to promote the use of refined language in media Programmes especially in discussions advocating for political leaders on radio.
The Commissioner further emphasized that the government prioritizes training and retraining for all stakeholders. He added that the Ministry will ensure that all Information Officers attached to MDAs and local government areas are registered with relevant professional bodies to enhance effective reporting and information dissemination.
The Commissioner also cautioned against the rising trend of fake news, noting that the widespread use of smartphones has made it easy for misinformation to spread.
He stressed that unverified reports and misinformation pose a serious threat to public peace and must be curbed through responsible journalism.
In his address, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu, represented by the Director of Monitoring at NBC, Dr. Susan Obi, emphasized that broadcasting is built on core principles of professionalism, creativity, innovation, truth, fairness, and respect.
However, he expressed concern that recent trends in Kano have shown a departure from these fundamental principles.
The Director-General observed that some broadcasters have abandoned mutual respect, courtesy, and decorum, instead engaging in character assassination and defamation.
“As leaders in the broadcasting industry, we have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of journalism to inform, educate, and entertain our audiences without resorting to sensationalism, malicious innuendos, or personal attacks. Unfortunately, these negative tendencies have eroded the institutionalized culture of the Kano people,” he stated.
A veteran journalist and retired Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Aminu, was among the paper presenters at the meeting with the broadcast stations.
