Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
The Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has organized a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the communication skills and effectiveness of local government information officers across the state.
The event, held on Wednesday and Thursday at the Grand Central Hotel in Bompai, Kano, brought together public relations officers, news managers, and media professionals for training and interactive sessions under the theme: “Enhancing Communication Skills and Stakeholders Synergy for Effective Grassroots Information Flow.”
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, emphasized the critical role of timely and transparent communication in governance. He urged information officers to act as a vital bridge between the government and citizens at the grassroots.
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“Media managers should ensure that narratives are sharpened for easy understanding of government policies and programs. We must tell our stories with clarity and integrity,” Waiya said.
He also encouraged officers to collaborate with journalists, social media creators, and other stakeholders to strengthen the flow of accurate and inclusive information.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Adamu Muhammad, welcomed participants and highlighted the workshop’s goal of empowering information officers to become more effective communicators. He noted that the workshop theme aligns with the ethical standards essential for grassroots communication.
“Information officers are the frontline voice of government in communities and must be well-equipped to communicate policies and programs clearly,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Tajudeen Othman, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, stressed the importance of the grassroots in achieving inclusive governance. He underscored the need for culturally sensitive, timely, and accurate information dissemination.
“Communication is not just about talking, but also listening carefully to the public,” Othman said, urging officers to collaborate with NGOs, CSOs, and the media to bridge information gaps and access reliable data for public enlightenment.
The workshop is expected to enhance synergy among key communication stakeholders in Kano State and improve the delivery of government information at the local level.