By Usman Usman Garba
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has organised a one-day capacity-building workshop as part of its 2025 Press Week, with a focus on strengthening ethical practice, improving professional conduct, and enhancing the skills of journalists across the state.
Held on Sunday at the Kano State Press Centre, the workshop brought together reporters, editors, broadcasters, and media practitioners to refresh their knowledge on core journalism principles and emerging newsroom trends.
In his opening address, the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, commended the Kano State Government for its steady support to the media sector, noting that the conducive working environment provided by the administration has enabled journalists to perform their duties with greater efficiency.
Dederi urged participants to apply the lessons gained from the training in their daily assignments, stressing that the session was designed to minimise avoidable errors, promote accuracy, and enhance overall productivity across various beats.
“I call on all of you to seize this opportunity to learn and put the knowledge into practice.
The aim is to improve our work, reduce mistakes, and elevate the standard of journalism in Kano,” he said.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, also addressed participants, advising journalists to prioritise personal safety while covering events, especially in situations that may pose security risks.
He reiterated the importance of adopting professional field techniques to stay protected without compromising the quality of their reportage.
Similarly, the Kano State Officer of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Alhaji Adamu Salisu, implored journalists to adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession.
He warned against regulatory breaches, noting that the Commission would not hesitate to sanction media organisations found guilty of ethical violations.
Salisu expressed concern over the rising frequency of factual and editorial errors in contemporary news content.
He urged practitioners to double-check information, verify details, and ensure accuracy before publication or broadcast.
He further emphasised the principles of fairness, balance, and objectivity, warning that biased reporting continues to erode public trust in many media organisations.
Salisu also reminded journalists of their duty to protect the identity of confidential sources.
“A journalist must respect and protect sources. Revealing a source without consent is a breach of professional ethics,” he cautioned.
The workshop featured presentations by seasoned media professionals and communication experts, who facilitated interactive sessions aimed at sharpening the participants’ skills.
Attendees described the training as timely and impactful, particularly in an era where misinformation and sensational reporting are rapidly increasing.
The event forms part of a series of activities lined up by the NUJ Kano State Council to promote responsible journalism, enhance capacity, and strengthen professionalism among media practitioners in the state.