Kano Ministry of Information Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop for Local Government Information Officers
By Salisu Hamisu Ali
The Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has organized a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at improving the effectiveness of local government information officers.
The event, held on Wednesday and at the Grand Central Hotel, Bompai road, Kano, brought together public relations officers, news managers, and media professionals from across the state for interactive sessions and knowledge sharing.
With the theme “Enhancing Communication Skills and Stakeholders’ Synergy for Effective Grassroots Information Flow,” the workshop focused on strengthening communication strategies and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in public information dissemination.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, underscored the importance of timely, transparent communication of government activities. He stressed the crucial role of local information officers as a bridge between the government and the grassroots.
“Media managers should ensure that narratives are clearly articulated to make government policies and programs understandable,” Waiya said. “We must tell our stories with clarity and integrity. Information officers and media professionals must work together to promote unity and factual reporting.”
He also encouraged officers to develop strong partnerships with journalists, social media influencers, and other communication experts to ensure broad and inclusive outreach.
Earlier in his welcome address, Adamu Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, said the workshop was designed to empower information officers with the tools and knowledge to enhance their performance.
He emphasized that the workshop’s theme aligns with the ethical standards required for effective communication at the grassroots.
“Information officers serve as the frontline voice of the government within communities,” Muhammad said. “They must be equipped to communicate government policies and programs effectively. Likewise, news managers play a crucial role in promoting balanced and responsible media coverage.”
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Tajudeen Othman, described the grassroots as the foundation of inclusive governance. He highlighted the need for officers to disseminate accurate, timely, and culturally sensitive information.
“Communication is not just about speaking—it is about actively listening to the public,” Othman said, urging officers to work closely with NGOs, civil society organizations, and the media to bridge information gaps and ensure access to credible, actionable data.
