Advancing Media Excellence: Kano Deputy Governor’s Office Hosts PR, AI Training for Journalists
By Mustapha Salisu
In a groundbreaking move to enhance the capacity of media practitioners attached to the Office of the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, organized a two-day in-house training on Modern Public Media Reporting and the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Report Writing.
The workshop, held on December 13 and 14, 2024, marked a significant milestone in bridging the gap between traditional journalism and emerging technologies.
The training, championed by the Press Unit under Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, aimed to equip journalists with cutting-edge tools to navigate the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Shuaibu emphasized the state government’s commitment to professional development, stating, “This workshop is designed to equip reporters with the latest techniques in modern journalism, such as artificial intelligence, and enhance their ability to report effectively from the Government House and beyond.”
He further highlighted the program’s objectives, noting, “Our goal is to ensure journalists under this office are prepared to handle their responsibilities with efficiency and professionalism, leveraging advanced tools and strategies.”
The opening ceremony set the tone for the event, with a speech by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, delivered through his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba. The address highlighted the crucial role of the media in promoting accountability, transparency, and public trust, while urging journalists to embrace innovation in promoting government initiatives and addressing societal concerns.
The first day featured an enlightening session by Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, Founder of Sufi Innovations and Development Solutions (SIDES) Focused on “Enhancing Governance Through Public Relation: Promoting Government Agendas and Addressing Public Concerns”
Dr. Sufi delivered an inspiring lecture on the delicate balance between advancing government agendas and addressing public needs. He urged participants to adopt ethical communication strategies that promotes trust and collaboration between the government and the public.
This was followed by an engaging presentation by Bayero University Kano academic, Ali Isa, who delved into the transformative potential of AI in journalism. With focus on “What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Its Uses in Report Writing”
He took participants from automated transcription tools to data-driven storytelling, Isa also introduced participants to the revolutionary impact of AI in enhancing accuracy, speed, and creativity in report writing.
The second day took a deep dive into governance reporting and visual storytelling. Abdullahi Yusuf, a veteran journalist and former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), captivated participants with his session on covering political offices in a democracy.
Yusuf highlighted the media’s role in upholding democratic values through accurate, unbiased, and context-rich reporting.
Adding a creative dimension to the training, professional photojournalist, Sani Mekatanga shared insights into the critical role of photography in modern media.
He emphasized the balance between creativity and professionalism, providing practical techniques for capturing compelling images of high-profile personalities.
Abdulwahab Said Ahmad, CEO of Blue Lens Multimedia, contributed to the sessions with a lecture on “Capturing Progress: Using Photography to Promote Government Interests in Project Development.”
Ahmad highlighted how impactful photographs can promote transparency, accountability, and public engagement by documenting milestones and visually demonstrating the government’s achievements.
Participants, including Sadiya Kosawa and Mustapha Prince Danbatta, Senior Special Reporter to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, praised the training for its relevance and depth. They described the initiative as a significant milestone in redefining media excellence in Kano State.
Kosawa noted, “This program has provided us with invaluable insights into using AI and other modern tools to improve our storytelling and reporting. It’s a game-changer for us as journalists.”
Danbatta added, “By integrating technology with traditional journalism principles, this training has positioned us to adapt to and lead in the rapidly changing media landscape.”
The program’s success made the Deputy Governor’s Office to set a commendable example, not only in enhancing journalistic standards but also in promoting innovation and ethical practices in media reporting.
As journalists attached to the Kano State Deputy Governor step into a new era equipped with AI tools and advanced techniques, the ripple effects of this training are expected to resonate far beyond the Government House, influencing the broader media landscape across Nigeria.
