MOI ORGANIZES CAPACITY-BUILDING WORKSHOP FOR INFORMATION OFFICERS TO ENHANCE GRASSROOTS COMMUNICATION
The Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop for Local Government Information Officers. The event, which also features an interactive session with news managers, is themed “Enhancing Communication Skills and Stakeholders’ Synergy for Effective Grassroots Information Flow.”
Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner of Information and Internal affairs Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya emphasized the critical role of communication in governance, stressing that effective government-to-people communication must not only be clear and accessible but also collaborative and consistent.
"In today’s dynamic information environment, the role of Information Officers cannot be overemphasized. They are the bridge between policy and the public and between government intentions and public perception," he stated. He further called for increased synergy among ministries, media managers, and citizens to ensure a unified communication system built on truth, professionalism, and responsible information management.
He said the workshop is designed not just as a learning session but as a call to action encouraging full participation, meaningful contribution, and the adoption of practical strategies that will strengthen communication across all local government areas in Kano State.
Waiya expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for funding the workshop through the Ministry’s development programmes, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to human capital development and effective public enlightenment.
The Commissioner urged participants to take full advantage of the sessions to improve their professional skills and contribute to a more informed, engaged, and connected grassroots population.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Tajuddin Othman, urged Local Government Information Officers to report developmental projects executed by the government in their areas, and to actively engage their communities in identifying local needs that require government attention and urgent intervention.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Bala Muhammad, stated that the workshop will not only build the capacity of the Information Officers but also inspire a renewed sense of purpose and professionalism in the important task of grassroots communication.
Among the paper presenters were:
Alhaji Ahmed Aminu, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, who presented a paper on “Enhancing the Role of Local Government Information Officers in Grassroots Engagement and Mobilization”;
Dr. Hassan Ya'u of the Mass Communication Department, who presented a paper on “Updating Media English Skills for Effective Grassroots Reporting”; and
Malam Auwalu Sa’id Mu’azu, Editor, Media and Communication Consultant, who delivered a paper on “Essentials of News Writing, Press Releases, and Press Statements.”
Signed
Sani Abba Yola
Director Special Duties
Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs
Date: 21/05/2025
