The Kaduna State Government has said that Governor Uba Sani’s administration has strengthened press freedom and improved engagement with the media as part of efforts to promote transparent and inclusive governance.
The State Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, made the disclosure on Saturday during the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Chairman’s Night organised by the Kaduna State Council of the NUJ in Kaduna.
Represented at the event by the Director of Media Relations and Citizen Engagement, Malam Yunusa Abdullahi, Maiyaki said the administration has deliberately prioritised openness and accessibility, fostering a more constructive relationship between government and the media.
“Under Governor Uba Sani, government–media relations have improved significantly. This administration has prioritised access, engagement and respect for press freedom, enabling journalists to operate professionally and contribute to public discourse,” he said.
Maiyaki added that improved information flow has enhanced public understanding of government policies and programmes, while also promoting peacebuilding and social cohesion in the state. He emphasised the importance of accurate and timely dissemination of information, particularly in a diverse state such as Kaduna, where misinformation could heighten tensions.
He called on journalists to uphold professional ethics and resist spreading false or misleading information, saying, “We must ensure that facts, not falsehoods, shape public opinion. Responsible reporting is essential to sustaining peace, democracy and development in our society.”
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Maiyaki was among those honoured at the event, receiving an award for Outstanding Media Achievements in recognition of his leadership in information management. Other awardees included the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibraheem Musa, as well as journalists from national and local media organisations and veteran media practitioners.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Kaduna State Council, Malam Abdulgafar Alabelewe, commended Governor Sani for creating an open and enabling environment for journalists, noting that the administration’s respect for press freedom had strengthened mutual trust between the government and the media.
The event was attended by members of the NUJ executive council, serving and retired journalists, media executives, and other stakeholders from within and outside the state.