My Administration Is Committed To Transparency, Accountability – Gov.Abba Yusuf
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State says his administration is committed to transparency, openness and accountability in the discharge of its statutory functions.
Governor Yusuf stated this while declaring open the 2025 Retreat of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), with the theme: “Emerging Trends In Journalism: Impact of AI, News Sources & Digital-Driven Newsroom In Modern Journalism; Task Before Journalists,” held at Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government,Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim,the Governor said his government believed that a well-informed citizenry is the foundation of good governance.
“This is why the government has maintained an open-door policy with the media, ensuring that accurate information is readily available and that our developmental agenda is clearly communicated to the people,” he said.
He commended the leadership of the Chapel for “organizing, for the very first time, a session outside your base to reflect, dialogue, and chart a new course in your professional journey.”
“Retreats such as this are vital not only for sharpening professional skills but also to strengthening partnership between government and the media in the service of our people.
“Judging by the theme of this retreat — “Emerging Trends in Journalism: Impacts of AI, News Sources, and Digitally Driven Newsrooms in Modern Journalism; Tasks Ahead of Journalists” — I am firmly convinced that participants will return home better equipped to understand and adapt to the emerging trends in your noble profession,” Yusuf said.
He stated that the the role of the media in the society remained one of the strongest pillars of democracy,adding, “You are the conscience of the society. The media informs, educates, and guides public opinion.”
“In Kano, we continue to witness the positive impact of responsible journalism. Members of the media have reported extensively on the developmental achievements of our administration despite the daunting political atmosphere.
“Let me therefore use this opportunity to appreciate all journalists working tirelessly,especially members of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel under the present leadership to bring credible information to the public.
“Your contributions to the development of our dear state is deeply valued,” the Governor said.
He reaffirmed the State Government’s readiness to continue supporting the chapel under the leadership of Comrade Murtala Adewale, to navigate the difficult terrain.
“The approval of the seed fund for the establishment of your Cooperative Society and support for hosting this retreat are clear testament of government support to the chapel.
“The Government will not be tired about your welfare and other support to make your work easier and more productive,” he
added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the chapel,Alhaji Murtala Adewale,said the purpose of the retreat was, “first, to distance ourselves from our daily routine and create a refreshing atmosphere for our members to unwind, relax, and reconnect in a different environment.”
Being the first of its kind in the history of the chapel, Adewale said, the retreat offered members of the group the opportunity to broaden their knowledge on emerging developments in the field of journalism to achieve professional renewal.
“We intend to stimulate new thinking and fresh approaches in the way and manner we practice journalism. Naturally, after clearing our minds and ventilating our thoughts, we hope to improve both our mental well-being and our professional capacity.
“The theme of this retreat, encapsulated as ‘Emerging Trends in Journalism: Impact of AI, News Sources, and the Digital-Driven Newsroom in Modern Journalism—Tasks Before Journalists,” is designed to examine the future of journalism and prepare us for what lies ahead in our profession,” the chairman added.