Kano Reaffirms Commitment to Information Management as ALGION Opens National Capacity Building Workshop
By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening information management as a vital instrument for promoting transparency, good governance, and democratic participation at the grassroots level.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Professional Capacity Building Workshop organised by the Association of Local Government Information Officers in Nigeria (ALGION).
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Tsoho Aliyu Rogo, the Commissioner said the administration of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf recognises the strategic importance of Local Government Information Officers in communicating government policies, programmes, and achievements while serving as a bridge between government and the people.
He noted that the Kano State Government has continued to invest in the capacity of its 44 Local Government Information Officers and eight Zonal Information Officers, describing them as key drivers of public enlightenment and grassroots engagement.
«“Government can only succeed when its policies and programmes are properly communicated and understood by the people. That is why Kano State has continued to invest in strengthening the capacity of its Information Officers. This workshop aligns perfectly with our vision of effective public communication and inclusive governance,” the Commissioner stated.»
Comrade Waiya stressed that Information Officers remain the first responders in public enlightenment and the official voice of government within their respective local government areas, adding that effective communication is essential for building public trust, enhancing accountability, and encouraging citizen participation.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sponsoring professional development programmes that equip Information Officers with modern communication skills needed to meet emerging governance challenges.
The Commissioner commended ALGION for organising the workshop, describing continuous capacity building as the foundation of effective public information management. He urged participants to take full advantage of the training, build professional networks, and return to their states better equipped to deliver accurate, timely, and people-centred information.
In his welcome address, the National President of ALGION, Comrade Jibril Basilla, said the three-day workshop was designed to expose participants to modern communication techniques, including digital media management, crisis communication, strategic public enlightenment, data-driven reporting, and fact-checking.
According to him, Local Government Information Officers have become increasingly important in combating misinformation and ensuring that government policies are effectively communicated to citizens at the grassroots.
«“This workshop is not just another training programme; it is a renewed commitment to our responsibility as the closest government communicators to the people. We must embrace digital innovation, fact-checking and community engagement to remain relevant in today’s information environment,” Basilla said.»
Speaking on behalf of Information Officers from Kano State, the Chairman of the Kano State Forum of Information Officers, Comrade Sharif Zahraddeen Usman, expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for sponsoring 52 Information Officers to participate in the 2026 National Professional Capacity Building Workshop.
He described the sponsorship as a remarkable demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to human capital development and the professional advancement of Information Officers across Kano State.
According to him, the decision to fully sponsor 52 Local Government and Zonal Information Officers to attend the national workshop is unprecedented and reflects the administration’s strong support for effective information management.
The workshop brought together Local Government Information Officers and communication professionals from across Nigeria to deliberate on emerging trends, contemporary issues, and global best practices in public information management.
In a statement signed by the Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru Director Public Enlightenment of the Ministry further stated that, Participants are expected to benefit from paper presentations, panel discussions, and practical sessions focusing on digital media management, strategic communication, government-citizen engagement, crisis communication, and strategies for countering fake news.
