Kebbi State Government launches robust operational space for practicing journalists

Anene Aike, North West Bureau Chief

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), has taken sweeping steps to strengthen journalism, enhance press freedom, and promote transparency, setting a new model of government–media collaboration in northern Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a press statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, who noted that the cordial relationship between Governor Idris and practicing journalists has grown into one of the most exemplary partnerships in the region.

Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Idris has consistently demonstrated deep respect and appreciation for the media as essential watchdogs of society.

His administration has provided an unprecedented level of support, equipping journalists with the resources, access, and freedom required to perform their constitutional responsibilities effectively.

In a practical show of commitment, the Governor has supplied working journalists with a dedicated media bus and a Peugeot 406 station wagon for daily assignments, ensuring seamless coverage of government events across the state.

Work is also ongoing on a state-of-the-art Press Centre designed to host modern internet and communication facilities, offices, and workstations. The centre, when completed, will serve as a hub for efficient, unhindered information flow and a conducive workspace for media practitioners.

Governor Idris operates a genuine open-door policy that guarantees journalists unrestricted access to information regarding government activities, policies, and programmes. He has maintained a firm stand against intimidation or harassment of journalists, instead fostering trust and mutual respect.

To further uplift morale, the administration provides monthly financial support to practicing journalists, a consistent gesture that has become a major source of encouragement and recognition of their service to the public.

During festive periods such as Sallah, Christmas, and Ramadan, media workers also receive financial assistance and assorted grains—a reflection of the Governor’s inclusive leadership style and appreciation of the media community.

The supportive media environment under Gov. Idris has spurred significant growth in the private digital media sector. New online outlets, including Kaura TV Online, IMS Online, Saminaka Online TV, and Sky Online TV, have emerged, increasing media diversity, expanding reach, and deepening public engagement across the state.

Upon assuming office, Gov. Idris retained key media advisory positions to ensure continuity and efficiency.

He reappointed Alhaji Yahaya Sarki as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and Alhaji Aliyu Bandado as Special Adviser on New Media.

To further widen communication channels, he created two additional offices: Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, held by Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru, and Special Adviser on Orientation and Enlightenment, held by Ibrahim Abubakar Jambali. The Ministry of Information and Culture, led by Commissioner Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, has also been reinvigorated to fulfill its mandate more effectively.

One of the most transformative initiatives of the administration has been the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with major national and international broadcast stations, including Channels TV, NTA, TVC News, and Third Eye TV. These agreements have enabled the stations to deploy permanent correspondents to Kebbi State.

This step has significantly increased the state’s national visibility, ensuring timely reporting of government activities and developmental strides to a wider national and global audience, an unprecedented milestone in Kebbi’s media history.

Governor Idris has also revived the Kebbi State Printing Press with modern printing machines, paving the way for the rebirth of the state-owned Equity Newspaper and its magazine.

To enhance professionalism in the digital space, the government has organized capacity-building workshops for hundreds of social media handlers, with plans underway to extend similar training programmes to conventional journalists across the state. These efforts reflect a long-term vision of building a responsible, ethical, and technologically equipped media ecosystem.

Governor Idris’s unwavering support for the media recently earned him the prestigious Leadership and Excellence Award from the Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners’ Forum (ABMPF) during its Media and Security Summit held in Kebbi State.

Presenting the award, the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa (Ajiyan Yauri), explained that the honour is reserved for Northern Governors who have demonstrated outstanding support for media growth and development. He described Dr. Idris as a leader who has strengthened the media landscape through investment, encouragement, and openness.

Represented by the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman Zuru, the Governor, expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying it would spur him to do more for the advancement of Kebbi State.

He reaffirmed that no form of support to the media is too much, considering its critical role in promoting peace, unity, stability, and national cohesion. He urged journalists to remain committed to fostering unity, stating: “Whatever you do, do it to unite Nigeria and not to divide it.”

Governor Idris reiterated the indispensable role of journalists in societal development and encouraged them to maintain objectivity, professionalism, and patriotism in their reportage.

Today, Kebbi State stands as a model for constructive government–media partnership, showing that when journalists are empowered, society becomes more informed, united, and progressive.

Through investment, transparency, cooperation, and unwavering support, Governor Idris has built one of Nigeria’s most vibrant and media-friendly environments, strengthening democracy and enhancing public enlightenment across the state.