Kano Govt reaffirms commitment to media–security partnership at NUJ national summit
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies as part of efforts to safeguard democracy, promote national unity, and enhance public safety.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, conveyed the position of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf while speaking at the ongoing National Security Summit organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja.
According to the commissioner, the governor recognizes the media as a critical institution in shaping public opinion and ensuring that government policies and programmes reach citizens, particularly young people.
Waiya said journalists have a crucial responsibility to combat fake news, disinformation, and misinformation, noting that accurate and responsible reporting is essential to national development and stability.
“The media has the responsibility of informing the public about government activities while also protecting and preserving the integrity of the nation. This is part of our constitutional duty as citizens,” he said on behalf of the governor.
He described the theme of the summit, which focuses on the relationship between security and media practice, as timely and forward-looking, stressing that security-related issues require careful and professional reportage.
According to him, while the media must continue to enjoy press freedom, journalists should also consider national interest when reporting sensitive security matters.
Waiya disclosed that the Kano State Government has maintained a cordial working relationship with security agencies operating in the state, providing operational support such as vehicles and logistics to the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Joint Task Force (JTF), and other security formations.
He added that the state government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for both public and private media organizations, assuring that journalists in Kano operate without harassment or intimidation.
The commissioner further noted that the government regularly organizes capacity-building programmes for media practitioners to improve professionalism and enhance service delivery within the industry.
“We are creating a nexus between the media, security, and government. By supporting security agencies, we are not only helping them but also protecting ourselves as citizens,” he stated.
Waiya reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to constitutional values, press freedom, and inclusive governance, emphasizing that effective collaboration between the media and security agencies remains vital for sustaining peace, stability, and development in the country.
The NUJ National Security Summit brought together journalists, security experts, policymakers, and government officials to discuss strategies for promoting responsible journalism and strengthening national security through effective media engagement.