Kano Govt restates commitment to press freedom, access to public information

The Kano State Government has disclosed plans to initiate a state-level Freedom of Information (FOI) law, signalling a renewed commitment to press freedom and institutional access to public information.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, made this known while speaking at a two-day capacity-building organised for members of the Kano Online Media Chapel in Jigawa State.

SolaceBase reports that the retreat was organised by Kano Online Media Chapel with the support of Kano State Government, with a theme,” Through Ethical Practice and Responsive Online Engagement.”

Waiya explained that the proposed law, which would mirror the national Freedom of Information Act, is part of ongoing efforts by the ministry to strengthen democratic governance and protect freedom of expression in the state.

He noted that while the government remains committed to upholding journalists’ rights, responsible and ethical journalism must be sustained, particularly in Kano, which he described as cosmopolitan and politically sensitive.

He also drew a clear distinction between professional online journalism and  social media activity, warning practitioners against sensationalism, sectional narratives and what he termed the “quick-breaking syndrome.”

According to him, online journalists must be guided by legal and ethical standards that separate professional journalism from citizen journalism.

Waiya described digital journalism as a critical component of modern journalism practice, stressing that its growing influence demands professionalism, integrity and continuous self-development, especially in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

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He challenged online journalists to focus on brand-building anchored on honesty and consistency, noting that recognition in the profession is earned through deliberate commitment rather than chance.

Calling participants “symbols of the future of journalism,” the commissioner urged them to uphold ethical values and leave behind a legacy that would inspire upcoming journalists.

He assured them of the state government’s continued support for journalism development while emphasizing that ethical standards must not be compromised.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, said the retreat was organised in fulfilment of a promise made during the chapel’s inauguration to prioritise capacity building for its members.

He explained that the training, which he described as the chapel’s third capacity-building initiative, was aimed at strengthening members’ skills and understanding of the digital journalism space.

Dangambo noted that the fast-paced nature of online journalism, including live reporting, makes it imperative for practitioners to be well-grounded in ethics and laws to avoid misinformation and content capable of triggering crises.

He said the leadership expects participants to practically apply the knowledge gained from the retreat in their daily work, particularly in areas of ethical judgment and legal awareness.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, commended the Ministry of Information for facilitating the retreat, describing it as crucial to safeguarding the future of journalism in the state.

He urged participants to translate the lessons learned into practice, stressing that professionalism would help distinguish credible journalism from social media content.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Jigawa State Council of the NUJ, Ismaila Ibrahim, underscored the importance of integrity and ethical responsibility in journalism.

He called on participants to engage responsibly online in ways that promote public trust and social cohesion.

Ibrahim also revealed that Jigawa State has recently established its own Online Media Chapel, expressing optimism that the development would strengthen collaboration and shared learning among online journalists across states.