Kano Takes Decisive Step Towards Decent Political Discourse in Media
By Hassan Kano
Kano, Nigeria – The Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, under the proactive leadership of Commissioner Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, in collaboration with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has spearheaded a crucial two-day sensitization workshop aimed at fostering responsible and ethical reporting among political programme presenters and media commentators in the state.
This significant initiative, championed by the esteemed Commissioner Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, underscores the Kano State Government’s commitment to elevating the quality of political discourse and ensuring a media landscape free from inflammatory language and defamation.
In his opening address, the visionary Commissioner Waiya clearly articulated the workshop’s core objective: to enlighten media professionals on the importance of maintaining decency and decorum in their on-air presentations and commentaries. He emphasized that while political opposition is a healthy aspect of democracy, it should not be used as a guise for insults or the spread of false accusations against fellow citizens.
Commissioner Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya further affirmed the Kano State Government’s unwavering commitment to upholding freedom of speech while simultaneously promoting a culture of respectful and meaningful political engagement. He highlighted that the workshop participants were deliberately drawn from diverse political affiliations, demonstrating the government’s even-handed approach to fostering civility across the political spectrum.
Alhaji Adamu Bala Muhammad, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, echoed Commissioner Waiya’s sentiments in his welcome address. He stated that the training is strategically designed to enhance the professional capabilities of political programme presenters and commentators, ensuring their content adheres strictly to broadcasting regulations and deepens their understanding of the NBC’s rules and guidelines. He emphasized the pivotal role of responsible media in fostering peace and unity within the state.
The Permanent Secretary urged the participants to actively engage with the training and acquire new skills that will not only benefit their professional growth but also contribute positively to the evolution of politics in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.
The first day of the workshop featured a compelling lecture by the Chief Imam of Al-Furqan Jumu’ah Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, who provided insightful perspectives on promoting decent speech and avoiding abusive language in the media from an Islamic standpoint. The Kano State Coordinator of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) also contributed significantly to the program.
This proactive initiative, driven by the dedicated leadership of Commissioner Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, signals a strong commitment from the Kano State Government to cultivate a more responsible and ethical media environment, ultimately contributing to a more informed and harmonious society. The workshop is a testament to the government’s understanding of the media’s powerful influence and its dedication to ensuring that this influence is used constructively in the political landscape.
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