By Mutawakkilu Ibrahim Idris
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies as part of efforts to promote peace, protect democracy, and safeguard national integrity.
This was stated by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who represented Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf at the ongoing Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) National Security Summit in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Waiya emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion, promoting responsible journalism, and supporting government efforts aimed at national development.
He noted that the media remains a vital platform for communicating government policies and programmes to citizens, particularly young people, while also serving as a frontline institution in combating fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
“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,” Waiya stated.
The Commissioner described the theme of the summit, which focuses on the relationship between media practice and national security, as timely and forward-looking. He stressed that reporting on security issues requires professionalism, responsibility, and a balance between press freedom and the national interest.
Waiya further disclosed that the Kano State Government has continued to maintain a strong working relationship with security agencies by providing operational support, including vehicles and logistics, to the Police, NSCDC, JTF, and other security formations operating in the state.
According to him, both public and private media organizations in Kano enjoy a conducive environment to operate without intimidation or undue interference. He added that the government regularly organizes capacity-building programmes for journalists to enhance professionalism and improve service delivery within the media industry.
“We are creating a strong nexus between the media, security agencies, and government. By supporting security institutions, we are not only helping them to perform effectively but also protecting ourselves and our communities,” he said.
The Commissioner reaffirmed Kano State Government’s commitment to constitutional values, press freedom, and inclusive governance, stressing that sustained collaboration between the media and security agencies remains essential for ensuring peace, stability, and sustainable development.
The NUJ National Security Summit brings together media professionals, security experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening national security through responsible journalism and effective communication.