“Kano: A Government that Values and Empowers the Media
By Abdullahi Sani
My attention has been drawn to a publication in The Sun Newspaper of September 4, 2025, quoting a report by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), which alleged that media freedom in Kano State is restricted. This claim is false, misleading, and completely detached from reality.
Without fear of contradiction, Kano State under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, stands today as one of the most media-friendly states in Nigeria — a government that values, supports, and collaborates with journalists and media practitioners at all levels.
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From the inception of the current administration, deliberate policies have been introduced to promote freedom of expression, ensure open access to information, and build mutual trust between the government and the press. Journalists in Kano are accorded full respect to carry out their professional duties without intimidation, censorship, or interference.
To further verify this, several journalists working with both local and national media organizations were engaged, and their unanimous response confirmed that they enjoy a free and enabling environment to report objectively and keep the public informed about government activities.
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Under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, numerous initiatives have been introduced to strengthen media professionalism and institutional communication. These include:
Induction of all State Information Officers into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to enhance professionalism and ethical standards.
Capacity-building programs organized within and outside the state to refresh and train communication officers.
Registration of Information Officers with the Association of Local Government Information Officers of Nigeria (ALGION) for collaboration and peer learning.
Deployment of trained Special and Senior Special Reporters to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies alongside Public Relations Officers and Directors of Public Enlightenment, ensuring government activities remain open and transparent.
Additionally, practicing journalists are regularly supported and encouraged to discharge their responsibilities effectively and efficiently. These practical measures demonstrate that the state’s relationship with the media is based on mutual respect, accountability, and partnership.
It is therefore surprising that the WSCIJ would publish such an assessment without visiting Kano or engaging journalists on the ground. This approach is unprofessional and unfair, as it misrepresents the actual media climate in the state.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration welcomes constructive criticism as a vital tool for democratic governance but will not condone deliberate falsehoods or politically motivated attempts to tarnish the image of the government. The people of Kano deserve factual and balanced reporting that reflects the visible progress being recorded across all sectors.
We urge media practitioners and the general public to disregard such misleading reports and remain focused on promoting truth, accountability, and people-centered journalism.
Kano State will continue to respect and uphold press freedom, maintain open engagement with journalists, and build on the progress that has earned the state multiple commendations and awards from reputable media organizations nationwide.
Kano remains — and will continue to remain — Nigeria’s most media-friendly state.
Abdullahi Sani Writes from Kano
