Kano state government says media practitioners have the critical responsibility of showcasing the impact of government policies in the life of citizens.
Secretary to Kano State Government, Alh Umar Ibrahim Farouk made the call in Kaduna at the opening of 2026 Retreat organized by Kano Correspondents’ Chapel.
The SSG explained that while citizens reserved the right to know how public resources are being genuinely utilized, the media holds the responsibility to report efforts of the government to improve the social economic welfare of the people.
Alh. Farouk, who was represented by Mustapha Mohammad, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, disclosed that beyond the routine reportage of events, journalists have a responsibility of provide the platform through which governments can communicate their policies, programmes and achievements to the people.
“Development journalism should not be confused with government propaganda anyway but rather, it involves identifying, investigating and reporting policies, projects and interventions that have measurable consequences for citizens.
“Where the government constructs roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, markets or other public infrastructure, journalists should go beyond simply reporting the commissioning ceremony. They should report the project’s impact, quality, beneficiaries, and implementation timeline.
“We have seen several, programmes on education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, women’s development, employment, environmental protection, infrastructure and social investment under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. All these giant strides deserve sustained media attention. No doubt, Kano is working under Abba Gida Gida”. SSG noted.
Speaking on the theme of the Retreat” 2027 General election: Navigating Legal, security, Ethical Boundaries in the Media, the SSG reminded that journalists and media organisations must strike a careful balance between robust scrutiny of government and responsible reporting that recognises genuine developmental efforts.
“Let me also remind you that the 2027 general elections place an enormous responsibility on us operating in Kano State. Kano is politically active, highly populated and home to diverse political interests.
“Political competition is expected to generate strong emotions, competing narratives and, potentially, misinformation. In such an environment, careless journalism can deepen tension, while responsible journalism can help protect peace and democratic participation.
“Journalists must therefore understand that every headline, photograph, video, social-media post and broadcast has the potential to influence public perception and, in some circumstances, public behaviour.
“Election reporting should be guided by accuracy, fairness, impartiality, balance and the public interest. We have responsibility to avoid publishing materials capable of inflaming ethnic, religious, regional or political divisions.
“Political disagreements are normal in a democracy. However, disagreement should not be allowed to become hostility. Journalists must be particularly careful when reporting allegations, campaign speeches, inflammatory statements and clashes between political supporters.
“Statements capable of provoking violence should not be amplified merely because they are sensational. The media should also avoid headlines that distort the substance of a story simply to attract attention”. SSG said.