By Aliyu Dangida
Kano state government has pledged to support private media organizations operating in the state, saying government will do everything possible towards their survival.
The commissioner for information, home affairs, Baba Halilu Dantiye, gave the assurance when members of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) Kano and Jigawa states forum paid him a courtesy visit at his office on Friday.
Baba Dantiye explained that with the existence of over 20 private media organizations (FM Radio stations), in the ancient city of Kano, unemployment rate has drastically reduce among teeming youth mostly media managers.
His words: “The existence of private radio stations in the state has in one way or the other complement government efforts in providing employment to it’s teeming populace especially youth.
“The three government owned media houses cannot employ the population of journalists in the state, as such government will not allow the private media organizations to suffer”.
According to Dantiye, government will decide on what it can afford to give them as support either quarterly or yearly to make them sustainable, added that working in partnership with the media will be among the top priorities of NNPP led Abba Kabir Yusuf administration.
He further commended his successor, Muhd Garba for his tremendous support to media organizations, assured of his continued support to the media for sustainability.
Earlier speaking, the chairman of Kano/Jigawa States forum of NGE, Dr Sule Ya’u Sule, said the NGE members consider Dantiye as one of their own and will support him to succeed in office.
Dr. Sule Yau who is also the leader of the delegation further assured the commissioner of the forum readiness to give him all the necessary support he may require both collectively and individually to succeed.
