Go Beyond Reporting Of Projects Commissioning, Be Investigative, Kano SGG Challenge Journalists
From Muhammad Kabir, Kano
The Kano State Government, has said while appreciating the giant efforts of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in turning around the State on Infrastructural Development, challenged the Working Journalist’s to go beyond mere reportage of projects Commissioning and developed investigative means of check and balances.
The Secretary of the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruok Ibrahim, said, “Development journalism should not be confused with government propaganda anyway but rather, it involves identifying, investigating and reporting policies, projects and interventions that have measurable consequences for citizens.”
“Where the government constructs roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, markets or other public infrastructure, journalists should go beyond simply reporting the commissioning ceremony. They should investigate the project’s impact, quality, beneficiaries, implementation timeline and broader impact. “
He notes, “we have seen several, programmes on education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, women’s development, employment, environmental protection, infrastructure and social investment under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. All these giant strides deserve sustained media attention.
Farouk added that, does not mean, we would not remind the government of the needs and concerns of the people. It is called constructive criticism. This is how journalism can contribute meaningfully to development.
Therefore, the Kano media community has an opportunity to develop a strong culture of development journalism in which government performance is measured not merely by political statements but by tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
Speaking while delivering his speech
at the Opening Ceremony of 2026 Retreat of Kano Correspondents Chapel Held in Kaduna, the SSG, represented by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, assured that Governor Yusuf, has done marvelously in the State.
“I believe the central theme for this year’s retreat ” 2027 General election: Legal, security, ethical boundaries and how media can navigate the hurdles during elections is pertinent and I want to believe you would have learned so much since the retreat started.
On the Central topic of discussion, “Why Journalists Should Tell Story of Kano State Government’s Developmental Studies, can not come at any better time than now considering the season we are presently in.
He explained that, Journalists occupy a strategic position in the development of any society. Beyond reporting events however, journalists have a responsibility to inform citizens, hold public institutions accountable and provide the platform through which governments can communicate their policies, programmes and achievements to the people.
“In a state as large, diverse and politically significant as Kano, this responsibility becomes even more important. As the state approaches the 2027 general elections, journalists and media organisations must strike a careful balance between robust scrutiny of government and responsible reporting that recognises genuine developmental efforts.
“Members of Kano Correspondents should be able to tell the story of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the physical growth presently unraveling the state. No doubt, Kano is working under Abba Gida Gida.
“Again, another responsibility lay before us and why we need to tell the good story is because the citizens have a right to know how public resources are being genuinely utilised and how the impact of government policies and projects is being felt.”
“Let me also remind you that the 2027 general elections place an enormous responsibility on us operating in Kano State. Kano is politically active, highly populated and home to diverse political interests.”
The Secretary warned that, Political competition is expected to generate strong emotions, competing narratives and, potentially, misinformation. In such an environment, careless journalism can deepen tension, while responsible journalism can help protect peace and democratic participation.
He said, Journalists must therefore understand that every headline, photograph, video, social-media post and broadcast has the potential to influence public perception and, in some circumstances, public behaviour.
“Election reporting should be guided by accuracy, fairness, impartiality, balance and the public interest. We have responsibility to avoid publishing materials capable of inflaming ethnic, religious, regional or political divisions.
“Political disagreements are normal in a democracy. However, disagreement should not be allowed to become hostility. Journalists must be particularly careful when reporting allegations, campaign speeches, inflammatory statements and clashes between political supporters. “
He further warned that, Statements capable of provoking violence should not be amplified merely because they are sensational. The media should also avoid headlines that distort the substance of a story simply to attract attention.
Above all, we must create an atmosphere conducive for peace and harmony to rain even after election. Election will come and go, our beloved city of Kano will remain. Let me congratulate the chapel once again for this retreat and the opportunity given to me to address you.
