NUJ President urged State Governments to appoint Professional Journalists as Commissioners of Information

By Aliyu Dangida

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has called on state governments across the country to prioritise the appointment of experienced and professional journalists as Commissioners of Information to ensure effective information management, enhance public enlightenment and strengthen government-media relations.

Comrade Yahya made the call in his goodwill message during the assumption of office ceremony of the newly appointed Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, where he commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for appointing a professional journalist to head the Ministry.

The NUJ President observed that professional journalists possess the requisite knowledge, practical experience and understanding of the media landscape to effectively manage government information, communicate policies and programmes, promote transparency and sustain constructive engagement between government and the media.

He described the appointment as a commendable step that reflects the importance of professionalism in public information management and urged other state governments to emulate Kano State by considering qualified journalists for similar positions.

Comrade Yahya congratulated the new Commissioner and expressed confidence in his ability to bring his wealth of professional experience, media expertise and knowledge of public communication to bear on the responsibilities of the office.

He further expressed optimism that the appointment would strengthen the relationship between the Kano State Government and the media, while promoting effective and timely dissemination of government policies, programmes, achievements and development initiatives.

Signed:
Sani Abba Yola
Director Special Duties
Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs