The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical, responsible and professional digital journalism, describing the media as a critical pillar of democratic governance.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated this on Wednesday while declaring open a two-day retreat for members of the Kano Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Dutse, Jigawa State.
The retreat, organised by the Kano Online Media Chapel with the support of the Kano State Government, is themed “Strengthening Digital Journalism Through Ethical Practice and Responsive Online Engagement.”
Waiya said the training, the first of its kind for online newspaper publishers in Kano State, underscored the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recognition of journalism as a vital component of democratic practice.
He commended Governor Yusuf for approving and sponsoring the retreat, noting that the gesture reflected the government’s commitment to manpower development across sectors, including the media.
The commissioner urged online media practitioners to uphold ethical standards, professionalism, accuracy and integrity in news gathering and dissemination, stressing that digital journalism must be clearly distinguished from unregulated social media activity.
“Online journalists are not the same as social media users. Digital journalism must be guided by legal and ethical decorum, not sensationalism or the rush for quick breaking news,” Waiya said.
He noted that the rapid growth of digital platforms, coupled with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, has made continuous self-development and professionalism imperative for journalists seeking credibility at local, national and global levels.
Waiya also acknowledged the role of the Kano State Council of the NUJ in supporting the establishment and growth of the Online Media Chapel, attributing the successes recorded so far to cooperation and unity within the union.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs is advocating for the enactment of a state Freedom of Information law in line with the federal Freedom of Information Act, as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and press freedom in the state.
In his remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Malam Usman Bello, said the government approved the hosting of the retreat outside Kano State in recognition of the growing importance of online journalism.
He explained that similar engagements had previously been organised for the Correspondents’ Chapel, adding that the retreat was designed to equip online journalists with skills needed to adapt to emerging trends and global best practices in the profession.
Bello noted that the influence of online media transcends state boundaries, stressing that capacity-building programmes of this nature would help shape journalism practice not only in Kano State but across the country.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel thanked the Kano State Government and the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs for their support, describing the retreat as timely and impactful.
He urged members of the chapel to continue operating within established ethical guidelines of the journalism profession, as well as the social and legal frameworks of Kano State.
The retreat attracted editors and publishers from various online media organisations operating across Kano State.