By Rabiu Sanusi
The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has emphasized that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming government communication, it should never replace human judgment, professionalism, ethical responsibility, and accountability.
The Commissioner made the remarks on Tuesday while declaring open a five-day Executive Training on Strategic Communication and the Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Public Sector Communication, themed “Communicating with Intelligence.”
The training was organized by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in collaboration with Image Merchants Promotion Limited, publishers of PRNigeria, at the Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano.
Addressing participants, Waiya described Artificial Intelligence as no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality that is reshaping how governments draft, translate, disseminate, and evaluate public information.
He noted that although AI presents enormous opportunities to improve efficiency and strengthen citizen engagement, its application must always be guided by professional ethics and responsible human oversight.
He emphasized that public communication is built on trust, warning that a single error in official communication could undermine public confidence and take years to repair.
According to him, AI should serve as a tool to complement human intelligence, creativity, innovation, and professional expertise rather than replace them.
The Commissioner further highlighted the commitment of the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to embracing digital innovation in governance.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs has established a Digital Multimedia Department and is intensifying capacity-building programmes for information officers to equip them with the modern digital communication skills needed to effectively manage the evolving media landscape.
Waiya commended the Bureau of Public Service Reforms and Image Merchants Promotion Limited for organizing what he described as a timely and impactful initiative.
He urged participants to make the most of the opportunity by embracing innovation while ensuring that technology continues to promote truth, transparency, accountability, and the overall public interest in government communication.
