By Ado Salisu
Urges Journalists to Uphold Accuracy, Fairness, and Shun Fake News
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the media as partners in peacebuilding, democracy, and development.
He made these remarks yesterday at a public lecture organised by the Katsina State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ marking the 38th years of the state’s creation.
He urged journalist to remain guided by the principles of accuracy, fairness and responsibility in their reportage.
Radda cautioned against fake news ,hate speech and incitement, stressing that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and ensuring societal stability.
The Governor recalled the recent public engagement on security and governance, where citizens freely shared diverse opinions on strengthening ongoing efforts. He emphasized that such contributions are vital for shaping responsive policies and building trust between the government and the people.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, Governor Radda announced the government’s approval for a full digital upgrade of Katsina State Television to meet global broadcasting standards.
He also highlighted his administration’s open communication policy, citing the 2026 budget preparation process, where communities directly contributed, as a practical example of participatory governance.
The Governor congratulated the Katsina State Council of the NUJ for successfully hosting its Annual Lecture, emphasizing that developmental journalism must highlight growth-driven initiatives and solutions, not just crises.
During the event, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, presented the Pillar of Democracy Award to Governor Radda in recognition of his exemplary leadership and unwavering support for the Fourth Estate. The award was received on his behalf by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango.
In his remarks, Ahmad Abdulkadir Bakori, former Director at the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and current Chairman of the Governing Council of Katsina State Radio, urged journalists to move beyond routine event coverage and embrace developmental journalism.
Bakori noted that too many reports merely recycle government press releases without analysis, investigative depth, or balance. He stressed that journalists must act as a bridge between government and the people, simplifying policies for citizens while relaying community concerns to leaders.
He cautioned against one-sided or sensational reporting, citing examples where challenges such as child mortality and dilapidated schools were highlighted without acknowledging simultaneous government interventions in healthcare and education.
“Developmental journalism requires examining issues like health, education, and security with depth, balance, and factual accuracy, so citizens are better informed to make sound judgments,” he said. He urged the NUJ and state authorities to invest in training programs to strengthen investigative skills and encouraged journalists to embrace modern technology to enhance transparency and accountability.
Earlier, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, called on journalists to adopt solution-driven reporting addressing pressing challenges in northern Nigeria, such as education, health, and poverty. He also emphasized the need for mentorship, improved welfare packages, and insurance cover for journalists, especially those in conflict-prone areas.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Muhammad Bashir Usman (Ruwan Godiya) of HUK Polytechnic, Katsina, presented a paper titled “Democracy and Development Journalism in Katsina State: From Narratives to Strategic Communication.”
Dr. Usman urged journalists to embrace development-focused reporting and strategic communication to build trust, accountability, and national growth. He identified key challenges facing journalism, including commercialization of news, weak investigative practices, and political bias, calling for professionalism and patriotism in the media space.
The lecture provided a strong platform for reflection on the critical role of journalism in strengthening democracy and advancing sustainable development in Katsina State.
Papers on modern trends in journalism were presented by various speakers drawn from academia and the media.
Also in attendance were notable dignitaries, including the Prof. Abubakar Sani Lugga, the fifth Wazirin Katsina, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, Kanwan Katsina, Alhaji Ahmed Abdulhamid Mani, Commissioner of Rural and Social Development, Malam Lawal Attahiru Bakori General Manager Katsina State Radio. Others are NUJ Vice President Zone A, Alh.Tukur Mohammed Special Adviser Labour to the Governor,Comrade Tanimu Saulawa and Hajiya Mariya Abdullahi—a veteran broadcaster—as well as heads of paramilitary organizations in the state.
