By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Bauchi State Media Team has commenced deliberations on new strategies for effective governance communication, with a strong emphasis on innovation, professionalism, and ethical journalism aimed at strengthening public trust and citizens’ engagement.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Annual Retreat of the Bauchi Media Team in Gombe State, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed stressed the need for journalists and government communicators to embrace modern communication approaches capable of enhancing transparency, accountability, and public confidence in government.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Usman Shehu Usman, said communication remains a critical pillar of good governance, noting that citizens have the right to timely, accurate, and credible information regarding government policies, programmes, and achievements.
He observed that government media practitioners must move beyond conventional reportage and adopt innovative methods that foster greater interaction between government and the people, while promoting openness and responsiveness in public administration.
Governor Mohammed urged participants to maximize the retreat by exchanging ideas, strengthening professional competencies, and developing practical communication strategies that would improve government visibility and deepen citizens’ participation in governance.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and responsible information management, maintaining that an informed citizenry is essential for democratic consolidation and sustainable development.
The retreat, themed “Communicating Governance with Impact: Rethinking Government House Journalism for Enhanced Public Trust, Visibility and Citizens’ Engagement,” brought together media aides, public relations officers, and communication professionals from across Bauchi State.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, said the retreat was organized to enhance the capacity of members of the Bauchi Media Team and reposition government communication to meet contemporary realities.
According to him, the gathering provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on their responsibilities as public communicators, share experiences, and explore innovative ways of projecting government activities while upholding professionalism, credibility, and ethical standards.
A communication expert and media scholar, Shu’aibu Usman Leman, presented a paper titled “Communicating Governance with Impact: Rethinking Government House Journalism for Enhanced Public Trust, Visibility and Citizens’ Engagement.”
In his presentation, Leman underscored the importance of accuracy, strategic storytelling, and public-interest communication in government media practice, stressing that effective engagement with citizens remains crucial to building trust and sustaining confidence in public institutions.
Participants expressed optimism that the retreat would equip them with fresh insights and practical skills needed to strengthen government communication and foster stronger relationships between public institutions and the citizens they serve.