Kano Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency as Gov.Yusuf Declares Open NUJ Correspondents Retreat

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has restated his administration’s commitment to transparency, openness, and accountability in governance, describing an informed public as the backbone of democratic progress.

The governor made this known while declaring open the 2025 Retreat of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held at the Pyramid Hotel in Kaduna. The event, themed “Emerging Trends in Journalism: Impact of AI, News Sources & Digital-Driven Newsrooms in Modern Journalism; Task Before Journalists,” brought together journalists to discuss the evolving landscape of the media profession.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Governor Yusuf said his administration has sustained an open-door policy that allows seamless access to information, ensuring that citizens receive accurate updates on government policies and developmental programmes.

“We believe that a well-informed citizenry is the foundation of good governance. This is why we continue to engage openly with the media to ensure that our developmental agenda is clearly communicated to the people,” he said.

The governor commended the leadership of the chapel for hosting its first-ever retreat outside Kano, describing the initiative as an important step toward professional growth and deeper collaboration with the government.

“Retreats like this are essential in sharpening professional skills and strengthening the partnership between government and the media. I am confident that participants will return better equipped to navigate emerging trends in journalism,” he added.

Governor Yusuf acknowledged the media’s central role in democracy, noting that journalists remain the conscience of society—informing, educating, and shaping public opinion. He further praised journalists covering Kano for their responsible reporting, particularly on the achievements of his administration amid a charged political environment.

While appreciating the efforts of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel under the leadership of Comrade Murtala Adewale, the governor assured continued government support, citing the approval of a seed fund for the chapel’s cooperative society and assistance in hosting the retreat.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Chapel, Alhaji Murtala Adewale, said the retreat was designed to provide members a refreshing break from their routine, foster renewed professional focus, and broaden their understanding of modern trends in journalism.

He noted that the gathering aims to inspire fresh ideas and strengthen the capacity of journalists to adapt to the fast-changing media landscape driven by artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

“This retreat offers us an opportunity to rethink our approaches and prepare for the future of journalism,” Adewale said.