By Khalid Idris Doya
The Bauchi State Government has assured working journalists of its commitment to providing a conducive working environment for them to operate. The Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon. Usman Shehu Usman, made this assurance as part of activities marking the International Press Freedom Day in Bauchi.
According to the commissioner, "With free and responsible press, we will attain a free and responsible society within the state. And we, as a government, have the responsibility to give you the necessary environment to operate." He emphasized that the government understands the importance of press freedom in a democratic setting and has never harassed any working journalist operating in the state.
The commissioner urged journalists to exhibit patriotism in the discharge of their responsibilities as watchdogs of society. "You have the responsibility to tell the truth and be guided by the ethics of your profession," he said. He also advised journalists to always verify their information and ensure accuracy before publication, noting that "misinformation can cause damage that is difficult to undo."
Usman Shehu Usman assured that the government has invested significantly in upgrading state-owned media organizations, Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) and Bauchi State Television (BATV). "Regular broadcast services are expected to resume by the end of May," he said. He also announced that the government has increased allowances for casual staff in both institutions to boost morale and productivity. "To get the best out of your staff, you need to motivate them, and that's exactly what we've done," he added.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, Comrade Umar Sa'id, commended the Commissioner for Information for visiting the Union's secretariat as part of the activities marking the celebration of World Press Freedom Day. Represented by his vice, Ahmed Kaigama, Comrade Sa'id expressed deep appreciation for the existing cordial relationship between the state government and the media.
Sa'id emphasized the importance of press freedom in strengthening democracy and promoting accountability. He urged the state government to continue supporting media development and to ensure that journalists are protected in the course of their duties. "We appreciate the existing cordial relationship between the state government and the media, which has created an enabling environment for journalists to operate freely and without undue interference," he said.