By Rabiu Sanusi
The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, alongside the Chairman of the Information Committee of the Kano State House of Assembly Hon.Sa’ad Amin has visited the management of Triumph Newspapers in Kano, pledging renewed government and legislative support towards reviving and repositioning the historic media organisation.
The visit was aimed at assessing the current condition of Triumph Newspapers, identifying the challenges confronting its operations and exploring practical measures to restore the organisation to its former strength and enable it to effectively compete in the modern media environment.
Speaking during the visit, the Acting managing Director of Triumph Newspapers, Muhammad Hamisu Abdullahi, welcomed the delegation and introduced the heads of various departments within the organisation. He highlighted the historical significance of the newspaper, which was established during the administration of the late Governor Abubakar Rimi.
He explained that the newspaper headquarters was later relocated from Fagge to its present location in Amana City, Kano, adding that Triumph Newspapers had over the years played a major role in the development of journalism and the training of professional journalists, many of whom went on to distinguish themselves in the Nigerian media industry.
According to him, Triumph Newspapers has correspondents and representatives across different parts of the country, giving the organisation a wide reach and an important role in informing and enlightening the public.
However, he disclosed that the organisation was currently facing several challenges, including inadequate electricity supply, shortage of computers and other essential modern equipment required for effective newspaper production and digital media operations.
The Acting Managing Director appealed to the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to consider the challenges confronting Triumph Newspapers and provide the necessary intervention to enable the organisation to regain its strength and fulfil its historic role.
Responding, Commissioner Waiya said the state government recognised the importance of Triumph Newspapers and was committed to taking steps towards addressing the challenges facing the organisation.
He described Triumph as an institution that had made significant contributions to journalism, public enlightenment and the development of professional journalists in Kano State and the northern region.
Waiya disclosed that he had already raised the issue of reviving and repositioning Triumph Newspapers before the State Executive Council, stressing that the matter required serious attention and a sustainable solution.
He further noted that the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs itself had numerous needs, particularly in the area of modern equipment and technological advancement, given the rapid changes taking place in the media industry.
The Commissioner also called on former staff members, journalists and other professionals who had benefited from Triumph Newspapers to return and contribute to the revival of the organisation, stressing that the responsibility should not rest on government alone.
He said: “In Northern Nigeria today, whenever a major media initiative is being considered, Triumph Newspapers should be able to stand firmly on its feet and play its rightful role. By the grace of God, following this visit and the steps we have initiated, we will see this matter through to a successful conclusion.”
Information Committee Chairman Pledges Legislative Support
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Information Committee of the Kano State House of Assembly and member representing Ungogo Constituency, Hon. Sa’ad Amin, said the visit was motivated by the need to see the situation at Triumph Newspapers firsthand and demonstrate commitment to the preservation and development of an institution that has contributed significantly to Kano media history.
Sa’ad Amin said his position as Chairman of the Information Committee placed a responsibility on him to pay close attention to issues affecting media and information institutions in the state.
He stressed that, as a young legislator, he was committed to ensuring that Kano media institutions kept pace with technological advancement and the changing nature of journalism.
The lawmaker said the visit was also an expression of concern and commitment to the development of Kano State, adding that the challenges facing Triumph Newspapers required collective efforts from government, legislators, former employees, media professionals and other stakeholders.
He assured the management of Triumph Newspapers that the Information Committee would do everything within its constitutional capacity to support efforts aimed at repositioning the organisation.
Sa’ad Amin added that the committee would continue to engage with relevant authorities to ensure that issues affecting the media sector received the necessary attention, stressing that their objective was to ensure that Kano State remained among the leading states in the country in terms of media development and public information.
He further assured the management that the committee would work with the state government and other stakeholders to support the modernisation and revival of Triumph Newspapers, while also contributing to the success of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s development agenda.
