Kebbi Govt Moves To Deepen Media Collaboration For Wider Public Enlightenment

...Commissioner says administration has delivered 90% of campaign promises, warns against misinformation






















By Umar Faruk







  























The Kebbi State Government has restated its resolve to work more closely with media organizations in the state to ensure wider publicity for government policies and development programmes.
The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, stated this on Wednesday during an advocacy and networking visit to media houses in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the visit, carried out alongside media aides to Governor Nasir Idris, was aimed at appreciating media partners and strengthening institutional ties.
“We are here to acknowledge your consistent efforts in promoting the policies and programmes of Governor Nasir Idris’ administration,” Ahmed-BK said.  “This visit is essentially to deepen our relationship with the media and foster better understanding and cooperation in carrying out our responsibilities.”
The Commissioner noted that similar engagements had earlier been held with media organizations in Abuja and Kano, and it was necessary to extend the initiative to media outfits within Kebbi.
He admitted that media organizations in the state face operational challenges, citing the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA Birnin Kebbi, as an example, and assured them of government’s commitment to continuous dialogue.
According to him, the engagement also marks the beginning of a new phase of collaboration as political activities begin to pick up ahead of the next general elections.Ahmed-BK cautioned against what he described as deliberate misinformation by some political actors aimed at tarnishing the image of the state government.
He said the security situation in Kebbi has improved significantly due to government interventions and partnership with security agencies.
“The issue of a so-called terrorist group ‘Sai Malam’ caused public concern earlier,” he said.  “However, security investigations revealed that it was a cybercrime syndicate involved in blackmail and extortion. Suspects have been arrested and the group dismantled in Argungu Local Government Area.”
The Commissioner also refuted reports that over 130 children die daily in Kebbi from malnutrition.
He explained that the figure, which was attributed to UNICEF by Doctors Without Borders, was based on a 2018 survey and does not reflect current realities.
“We sought clarification after the report was circulated,” Ahmed-BK said.  “It was confirmed that the data was from 2018 and does not represent the present situation in the state. Such false narratives undermine government efforts and create unnecessary panic.”
He added that the Idris administration had recorded significant progress in infrastructure and social services, and had fulfilled about 90 percent of its campaign promises within three years.
“If given another mandate, the governor will build on these achievements,” he said.
The Commissioner further described Kebbi as a state with huge agricultural potential capable of boosting national food security, owing to its vast farmlands, water resources and committed farmers.
In his response, the General Manager of Kebbi Television, Alhaji Sahabi Yusuf-Bunza, welcomed the government’s outreach and described it as a positive step toward stronger media-government relations.
“KBTV will mark 30 years soon and remains committed to projecting government policies and programmes,” Yusuf-Bunza said.  “We appeal to government to assist us in clearing outstanding license fees to BON, NBC and NigComSat. This will improve our reach across Nigeria and parts of West Africa.”  He also requested government support to address some technical challenges facing the station.
The General Manager of NTA Birnin Kebbi, Alhaji Ali Garba, also thanked the delegation for the visit.
“NTA is a federal station committed to partnering with governments to promote programmes that enhance the wellbeing of citizens,” Garba said.  “We will continue to perform our duties professionally once the needed operational support and equipment are provided.”
Also speaking, the Acting General Manager of Equity FM, Hajiya Fatima Yahaya-Bawa, pledged the station’s support for government communication efforts.
“We remain committed to effective information dissemination,” she said.  “We appeal for assistance in providing adequate office facilities and perimeter fencing for the station.”
The General Manager of Kebbi Radio, Alhaji Abba Muhammad-Zuru, commended Governor Idris for his support to the station and called for the establishment of an FM transmission service.
“Technology has changed how people listen to radio,” Muhammad-Zuru said.  “Most people now access radio through mobile phones. An FM service is critical for us to retain our audience and improve delivery.”
Members of the delegation included Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Yahya Sarki; Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar-Jombali; Special Adviser on New Media, Alhaji Aliyu Bandado; and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris.
END