Kano Governor declares 2025 Correspondents’ retreat open, reaffirms commitment to media freedom
Kola Oyelere Kaduna
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sustained partnership with the media, as he declared open the 2025 Retreat of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kaduna.
Governor Yusuf commended the Chapel’s leadership for creating a platform to reflect, dialogue and reposition journalists for the fast-changing media landscape.
He said the gathering was timely, considering the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, digital tools and new media operations on journalism.
“Retreats such as this are vital not only for sharpening professional skills but also for strengthening the partnership between government and the media in the service of our people,” he said.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, praised the Chapel for hosting its first-ever retreat outside Kano, describing the initiative as “innovative and forward-thinking.”
He then expressed confidence that participants would benefit greatly from the retreat’s theme, “Emerging Trends in Journalism: Impacts of AI, News Sources, and Digitally Driven Newsrooms in Modern Journalism; Tasks Ahead of Journalists.”
He also commended the resource persons for presenting papers on diverse issues including mental health, media law and journalist–government relations, noting that the sessions would contribute to building a more informed and resilient media community.
Governor Yusuf lauded journalists in Kano for what he described as responsible and balanced reporting, despite the “daunting political atmosphere” in the state. He attributed this to the cordial relationship his administration continues to maintain with the media.
“In Kano, we continue to witness the positive impact of responsible journalism. Members of the media have reported extensively on the developmental achievements of our administration,” he said.
He appreciated the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, particularly under the leadership of Comrade Murtala Adewale, for its professionalism and dedication to keeping the public well-informed. According to him, a well-informed citizenry remains the foundation of good governance.
The governor restated his government’s open-door policy and willingness to make accurate information accessible to journalists, saying this was necessary to ensure clarity on the administration’s developmental agenda.
He further highlighted the government’s ongoing support to the Chapel, citing the approval of a seed fund for the establishment of its Cooperative Society and assistance towards hosting the 2025 retreat.
“The government will not be tired of supporting your welfare and providing the needed assistance to make your work easier and more productive,” he assured.
Governor Yusuf congratulated the Chapel for its foresight and commitment to developing its members and declared the retreat open.
“Once again, I congratulate the leadership of the Chapel for its innovative ideas aimed at transforming the Chapel. I wish you all a fruitful and rewarding retreat. I hereby declare the 2025 Retreat open. Assalamu Alaikum,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the chapel,Alhaji Murtala Adewale,said the purpose of the retreat was, “first, to distance ourselves from our daily routine and create a refreshing atmosphere for our members to unwind, relax, and reconnect in a different environment.”
Being the first of its kind in the history of the chapel, Alhaji Adewale said, the retreat offered members of the group the opportunity to broaden their knowledge on emerging developments in the field of journalism to achieve professional renewal.
“We intend to stimulate new thinking and fresh approaches in the way and manner we practice journalism. Naturally, after clearing our minds and ventilating our thoughts, we hope to improve both our mental well-being and our professional capacity.
“The theme of this retreat, encapsulated as ‘Emerging Trends in Journalism: Impact of AI, News Sources, and the Digital-Driven Newsroom in Modern Journalism—Tasks Before Journalists,” is designed to examine the future of journalism and prepare us for what lies ahead in our profession,” the chairman added.