The Kano State Government has announced its intention to collaborate closely with online media to effectively disseminate its programs and policies. This was disclosed by the new Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a meeting with the Association of Online Media Guild at the headquarters of the State Ministry of Information.

“They are August visitors and the first to come officially. I thank you for the visit and the congratulatory letter. I have been working closely with the media, and there are many issues of concern. I now speak on behalf of the government, which is also a people-oriented government. The media has been a very good friend to me, and we will work with you to fish out the quack ones among you,” stated Comrade Waiya.

The Commissioner emphasized the need for regulation and collaboration with online media to ensure accurate dissemination of government projects and policies. “We will liaise with you to regulate. The government has executed a lot of projects, and it needs to be disseminated. Criticism could be a very good one. You draw attention to certain issues; let our attention be clear,” he added.

Comrade Waiya expressed concern over sensationalism in journalism, noting that some journalists provoke the government with their stories without considering the consequences. “The sensationalism in journalism is unbecoming. People are doing it without minding the consequences. Some journalists bring stories that provoke the government. Media is one of the fourth estates of the realm; be an intermediary between the government and the people. There are certain issues that you don’t need to write on. You can do things through investigation,” he said.

He shared an example of a journalist who discovered a village in one of the local governments in Kano without portable drinking water. “When I saw the video, I sent it to the Governor, and action was immediately taken. I am ready to liaise with you to fish out quacks,” Comrade Waiya stated.

The Commissioner also called for unity among online journalists in Kano and announced plans to train all information officers and public relations officers in the state on a weekly template. “We want to see more unity among online journalists in Kano. We want you to be more united. We will train all the information officers in Kano and the public relations officers on a weekly template,” he said.

He further highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating, “The government of Abba Kabir Yusuf wants to see things openly. We are going to champion the replication of the FOI law. We are going to have the practice of openness and accountability. His Excellency is much ready on that.”

On his part, the Chairman of the Association of Online Media Guild, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, expressed support for the Commissioner’s media-friendly approach. “The composition of our members are professionals. We are here to congratulate you. We are in support of your move as a media-friendly person,” he said.

Jos emphasized the need to check fake news and address misinformation, which has brought down many countries. “We need to check fake news and address misinformation, which brought down many countries. We are committed to disseminating government information for public interest and consumption,” he added.

The entourage included Abbas Yushau Yusuf, publisher of Nigerian Tracker; Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, publisher of Independent Post; Zainab Abdurrahman Mai Agogo, Head and publisher of Kakaki24; and Musa Best Seller, publisher of Alfijir Labarai.

In a significant move against child trafficking, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has handed over three abducted children to their relieved parents.

The children, who were stolen from Bauchi and sold in Anambra by unscrupulous individuals, were safely returned through collaborative efforts.

During the formal handover at the Bauchi Government House, Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Auwal Musa, briefed the Governor on the successful rescue operation.

CP Musa narrated the joint efforts of the Bauchi and Anambra State Police commands, working in close coordination with the Office of the State First Lady under the Gender-Based Violence Committee.

First Lady Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his unwavering support in combating child abuse, abduction, and trafficking.

Aisha Bala Mohamme emphasized that Governor Bala’s commitment has been instrumental in the success of various initiatives led by the committee.

Governor Bala Mohammed condemned the heinous activities of those exploiting innocent children.

Governor Bala praised the security agencies, as well as the First Ladies of Bauchi and Anambra States, for their crucial roles in tackling such criminal acts.

Addressing parents, Governor Mohammed urged them to remain vigilant and ensure the proper upbringing and monitoring of their children.

He, however, called on community leaders to supervise and monitor residents in their localities to prevent future occurrences.

In a statement by Governor Balas media aid Lawal Muazu Bauchi Reiterating the importance of justice, Governor Mohammed stressed that justice delayed is justice denied, directing that perpetrators be dealt with decisively according to the law.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have dropped three places in the 2024 Global Firepower (GFP) ranking, moving from 36th position in 2023 to 39th among 145 nations assessed worldwide.

This marks a second consecutive year of decline for Nigeria, which was ranked 35th in 2022.

Punch reports that the drop comes despite the acquisition of fighter jets and other military assets, alongside reported successes in the fight against terrorism within the country.

Nigeria also slid from third to fourth place among African countries, with Egypt maintaining its top spot on the continent, followed by Algeria and South Africa.

Globally, the United States retained its first-place ranking for the 18th consecutive year, showcasing superior strength across material, financial, and resource categories. Russia, China, India, and South Korea rounded out the top five.

Other notable African nations in the rankings include Ethiopia, Angola, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The GFP report assessed countries based on over 60 factors, including military resources, financial stability, logistical capabilities, and geography. Nigeria’s Power Index (PwrIndx) score for 2024 stood at 0.5619, with a score of 0.0000 being considered “perfect.”