The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, has called on the state government to recruit more information and public relations personnel to strengthen the dissemination of credible information and enhance the state’s public communication system.
The appeal was made by the council chairman, Isma’il Ibrahim, during a two-day capacity-building workshop for 81 information officers and media aides in Dutse. The training, organised in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), was themed “Responsible Information Dissemination in the Digital Era: The Role of Information Officers/Media Aides to the 27 Local Government Council Chairmen.”
Ibrahim explained that the workshop was designed to equip participants with the latest skills in information management, particularly in countering fake news and disinformation. He stressed that the recruitment of additional professionals was necessary due to the large number of retirements recorded in the information and broadcasting sectors.
“We commend Governor Umar Namadi for prioritising critical sectors like education and health through strategic recruitment. However, the state-owned broadcasting corporation and the information cadre are overstretched. Bringing in new personnel will restore capacity and efficiency in these vital sectors,” Ibrahim said.
The NUJ pledged its support in amplifying government programmes and policies for sustainable development, while also maintaining its role as a watchdog of society.
Also speaking, the state Head of Civil Service, Muhammad Dagaceri, urged journalists and media aides to safeguard the integrity of the profession by promoting transparency and combating disinformation. Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, echoed this call, charging participants to uphold ethical standards in reporting.
Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) warned against the dangers of fake news and urged participants to adhere strictly to the new cybercrime law and ethical communication practices.
The training brought together media professionals, security agencies, and current and former heads of media organisations, all reaffirming the need for accurate, responsible, and professional information management in the digital era.
