By Mustapha Salisu
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the media, describing it as an indispensable partner in governance, public enlightenment, accountability and development.
The Deputy Governor, speaking on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, stated this when he received the management of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Kano Network Centre, on a courtesy visit to his office today, noting that the media serves as a bridge between government and the people by ensuring effective communication of policies and programmes.
He acknowledged NTA’s longstanding contributions to national unity, cultural preservation and public enlightenment, particularly the role of NTA Kano in keeping residents informed about government activities, social development and issues of public interest.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the management, staff and entire NTA Kano family ahead of the station’s 50th anniversary, describing the Golden Jubilee as a remarkable milestone reflecting five decades of commitment to information dissemination, education, entertainment and public service.
He urged the station to sustain its commitment to accuracy, fairness, balance and professionalism, while giving adequate attention to issues affecting communities, including education, healthcare, agriculture, security, environmental protection and youth development.
He said the state government remained committed to constructive engagement with credible media organisations, adding that the administration welcomed objective feedback and constructive criticism as essential ingredients of good governance and democratic accountability.
Responding to requests by the NTA management, the Deputy Governor assured the delegation that he would discuss with the governor the possibility of providing the station with opportunities to cover government programmes live. He also pledged to attend the station’s Golden Jubilee celebration and extend the invitation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
On the request for financial assistance, he assured the management that the Kano State Government would support the station financially and through other means, reiterating the administration’s commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership that would advance the development of the state.
Speaking earlier, the General Manager of NTA Kano Network Centre, Mr Yusuf Sani Hanga, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the authority and the Kano State Government, while formally notifying the Deputy Governor of the station’s forthcoming 50th anniversary celebration and seeking the government’s support.
He noted that the state government had undertaken several development projects, expressing NTA’s interest in covering such activities for broadcast on its network news, alongside other programmes marking the station’s Golden Jubilee.