By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has organized a one-day training programme for government Media Aides and Media Assistants on the proper and effective use of social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The training, organized in collaboration with Optimal Image Media Limited, was themed: “Harnessing Social Media and AI for Effective Policy Implementation and Strategic Communication.”
Speaking at the event held at the Press Centre, Government House, Katsina, the Director General of the Media Directorate, Maiwada Danmallam, said the training became necessary to enhance the performance of participants in the discharge of their duties.
Danmallam noted that social media and Artificial Intelligence have become important tools of communication, stressing the need for participants to understand both their advantages and disadvantages.
According to him, the training would equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
He urged them to actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and apply the lessons learned while performing their duties.
He reminded the participants of their critical role in disseminating government information to the public and charged them to be more committed in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Director General assured the participants that his office would continue to organize similar capacity-building programmes for Media Aides, Media Assistants, and Zonal Special Media Assistants across the state.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Optimal Image Media Limited, Shuaibu Mungazi, described Artificial Intelligence as a globally adopted strategic communication tool that works faster and more conveniently than conventional media platforms.
Mungazi explained that the government found it necessary to engage the media firm to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge for the effective use of social media and Artificial Intelligence.
He added that media professionals were engaged to deliver papers and practical sessions aimed at achieving the objectives of the training.
Our correspondent reports that 67 government Media Aides participated in the training, which was organized by the Office of the Media Directorate as part of renewed efforts to discourage the improper use of social media and Artificial Intelligence.
Participants at the training commended the government for organizing the programme and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to improve their performance.