By Rabiu Sanusi
Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening ethical standards and professional excellence in public information management, as he declared open a two-day capacity-building workshop for Information and Zonal Information Officers drawn from the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, made this known at the opening ceremony of the workshop held at Babale Suites, Kano, with the theme: “Safeguarding Ethical and Professional Standards in Public Information Management: The Role of Information Officers.”
He described investment in human capital development as a critical driver of effective public administration, noting that continuous training not only enhances skills but also boosts workers’ morale and productivity in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that his administration would continue to prioritize training and retraining programmes locally, nationally, and internationally to equip public servants with the requisite knowledge and skills for efficient service delivery.
He further stressed that Information Officers play a pivotal role in promoting transparency, bridging the gap between government and the public, and ensuring that citizens have access to accurate and timely information, especially in an era characterized by fake news and disinformation.
According to him, the government relies on Information Officers for feedback on public perception, community challenges, and policy impact, urging them to remain proactive in reporting developments at the grassroots to support responsive governance and sustainable development.
The Governor also called on public officials at all levels to cooperate with Information Officers and support their work to enhance public access to government policies, programmes, and activities, thereby strengthening democratic processes.
He assured participants of government’s commitment to providing modern working tools and a conducive environment to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively, while commending the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs for organizing the programme, for its anticipated impact.
The Governor also appreciates the Commissioner, for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya for his doggedness and innovative initiative which has tremendously helped in enhancing the plight of public communicators working in the State Civil service
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, welcomed participants and described the workshop as a demonstration of the Ministry’s commitment to excellence in information dissemination and professional development.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his consistent support toward capacity building initiatives, noting that several training programmes conducted under the present administration have significantly improved the productivity and performance of Information Officers.
The Commissioner highlighted the importance of the workshop’s theme, stating that it would enhance participants’ understanding of ethical standards, transparency, and digital communication strategies necessary for effective information management in contemporary society.
He reminded Information Officers of their critical role as the link between government and the people, urging them to uphold professionalism, actively engage with the public, and contribute to building trust and confidence in government activities.
Comrade Waiya further assured that the Ministry would continue to strengthen partnerships with media organizations, professional bodies, and relevant stakeholders to promote effective communication and capacity development, while encouraging participants to take full advantage of the training to improve their performance and service deliverie.
