Pate inducts 150 broadcasters as members of SNB in Kano

By Muhammad Uba Sani & Auwal Hassan Fagge

The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) on Friday inducted 150 broadcasters from various media organisations in Kano State as new members of the professional body.

The induction ceremony, which was held at the Centre for Excellence, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), attracted key stakeholders in the media and communication sector.

Speaking at the event, SNB President, Professor Umaru Pate, charged the broadcasters to uphold ethical standards and embrace digital competence in the discharge of their duties.

Pate, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Kashere, in Gombe State, said the induction is an initiative sponsored by the Kano State Government.

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He cautioned that the influence wielded by broadcasters must be guided by responsibility, warning that unregulated power in the media space poses serious risks to society.

According to him, ethics remains the foundation of broadcasting, stressing that Nigeria’s cultural heritage and religious teachings already provide a strong moral compass that aligns with professional media conduct.

“Like teachers, broadcasters must be humble and conscious of the power of their words, because they influence minds and shape society,” Professor Pate added.

On the growing use of Artificial Intelligence in media practice, he advised caution, explaining that AI lacks human emotions and judgment, and should therefore be applied carefully and responsibly.

The Professor of Media and Society also disclosed plans by the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters to establish a broadcasting studies faculty, which will admit students and equip them with advanced skills to further improve the quality of media practice in the country.

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Earlier, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, said the sponsorship of the 150 broadcasters for induction reflects the state government’s commitment to strengthening professionalism in the media sector in line with modern realities.

He urged the newly inducted members to act as worthy ambassadors of the profession, stressing the need for professionalism and responsibility in the discharge of their duties.

On his part, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Bayero University Kano, Professor Ahmed Muhammad Tsauni, praised the Kano State Government for sponsoring the induction of the 150 journalists.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to continued collaboration with the state government to strengthen journalism and communication studies.