“Online Journalists are not the same as social media users. Online journalism must be guided by legal and ethical decorum which distinguishes it, from citizens’ journalism which is not guided by any extant laws or regulations.”

A two-day retreat organised by Kano State Government for Online Journalists, in the state, has begun.

Nigerian Kicker reports that the retreat, currently ongoing at the neighbouring Jigawa state capital, was declared open by the Kano state Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya who represented Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf.

Below is the Commissioner”s full speech:

“It is with great joy, humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this historic event, the first of its kind in the life of the Kano Online chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, a two day retreat for the online journalists which is being organized and sponsored by the Kano State Government through the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs

A cross section of participants.

“This retreat is special to me not only because I am privileged to lead in hosting it in my capacity as the Hon. Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, but also because I stand before you today as one of the people who believe in you, and recognize your potentials and contribution in the Kano Media and Information landscape, and who have as well and unarguably supported in adding value and substance in the advocacy for a healthy and responsible practice of journalism profession in Kano State.

“Let me begin by expressing our immense appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his commitment and support to the development of journalism practice in the State.

“The continuous support towards incubating an efficient manpower for the effective management in all sector of human endeavor, must be acknowledged at all time. I wish to also thank His Excellency, All. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the executive Governor of Kano State, for graciously approving and sponsoring this training.

“This gesture clearly demonstrates his visionary leadership and the significance his administration places on journalism profession.

“Let me use this opportunity, to remind you that, you are the symbols of future journalism practice, and therefore you have the responsibility to uphold ethical values and professional conduct, to lay a legacy that you would be remembered for, by the upcoming journalists in the State.

“As the pioneer drivers association of the online journalism practice in the State, the least the citizens expect from you are: diligence in the sourcing, publication and development of news content, professionalism and accuracy in narration, and avoidance of information dissemination, which is driven by the sentiment of sensationalism, quick breaking syndrome.

“I therefore need to remind you that, online journalists are not the same as social media users. That, online journalism must be guided by legal and ethical decorum which distinguishes it, from citizens’ journalism which is not guided by any extant laws or regulations.

“Consequently, as digital journalism has come to stay, it must therefore be seen and accepted as one of the critical component of journalism practice in the country, hence deserves every form of recognition.

“As you are all aware, the World is revolving fast towards sophistication, especially through the application and use of ICT on every section of human endeavor.

“Therefore, competitiveness has become an order of the day, especially with the advent of Al, and other advanced technologies, hence the need for self development, professionalism upholding the ethical values and conduct, for easy recognition in the profession.

“In the practice of digital journalism, creation of brand is critical and instrumental, within the local, national and global context, however, this can only be achieved, where professionalism, integrity and honesty have become a glaring symbols of a brand.

“Some individuals in the online media practice have already created a name for themselves, and have now been recognized for that, however, these milestone are not by chance or miracle, it is by deliberate commitment, dedication and consistency. I therefore urge you to follow the same route and success shall be your story

“Permit me at this juncture to once again congratulate you on the establishment of the Kano Online chapel and appreciate the Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, for their support in seeing this dream come true, as well as all other stakeholders who have supported this course to its logical conclusion.

“To the chairman, and other executive members of the Online, I wish to beseech you to remain steadfast and concentrate on promoting the capacity of your members as it is key to attaining every height in the profession. And to explore every opportunity for the benefit of your members, as pioneer executives of the chapel, you have a collective duty to ensure unity and team work amongst you, to ensure that, the chapel remains strong and Inodel for other states.

“On the part of the Government, I assure you of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, continuous support to journalism development and practice in Kano, as well as upholding press freedom.

“We shall continue as a democratic Government to respect the freedom of expression, and it is in line with this, the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, is working to lead the advocacy for the establishment of State Law on the Freedom of Information, which is going to be a replica of the Freedom of Information Act. 1 however wish to request for a continued support of the practicing journalists in the State, by sustaining responsible journalism and ensuring the avoidance of sensationalism in journalism practice in Kano, being a cosmopolitan, and politically sensitive, and that ethical journalism, should not be compromised

“Finally, while I welcome all the participants to this august training. I wish you a successful training, and I therefore declare this training open.

“Thank you and God bless you all.”

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