Waiya charges information officers to intensify fight against misinformation

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has charged Information Officers across the country to strengthen their professional capacity to combat misinformation and disinformation.

Waiya gave the charge on Wednesday in Abuja at the closing ceremony of the 2026 National Professional Capacity-Building Workshop organised by the Association of Local Government Information Officers of Nigeria (ALGION).

He said the rapidly changing information environment had made the role of Information Officers more critical, urging professionals to keep abreast of emerging communication technologies and modern methods of information dissemination.

According to him, the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation and unverified information on social media and other platforms requires professionally trained Information Officers to provide accurate, timely and credible information.

He said the administration of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf had continued to prioritise the training and retraining of Information Officers to strengthen their professional capacity and enhance effective information management and public communication in the state.

Waiya announced that Information Officers serving across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Kano would soon proceed to Kaduna for an intensive training workshop on modern communication strategies.

He explained that the training was designed to equip the officers with contemporary skills, knowledge and tools to improve their performance and effectively communicate government policies, programmes and achievements to the public.

The commissioner described continuous capacity building as an essential investment in institutional development, stressing that competent and well-equipped Information Officers were indispensable to effective public communication and promotion of public trust.

He commended Information Officers from Kano, Borno, Jigawa, Delta and other parts of the country who participated in the three-day workshop, describing their commitment to professional development as a reflection of dedication to public service.

Waiya urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired at the workshop to improve communication between government and citizens, particularly in communicating policies, programmes and development achievements.

He also commended the ALGION leadership for organising the workshop, saying it provided a national platform for Information Officers to exchange ideas, share experiences and strengthen professional networks.

The National President of ALGION, Comrade Jibril Basilla, said the workshop was designed to equip members with contemporary tools and skills in digital communication, crisis management, data-driven reporting and strategic public enlightenment.

Basilla appreciated the Kano State Government under Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf for its continued support to members of the association, particularly in professional capacity building and the welfare and development of Information Officers.

The workshop featured lectures, presentations and interactive sessions on contemporary issues in public communication, information management and professional practice.

The event ended with the presentation of certificates to participants who successfully completed the training programme.

Waiya was also honoured by Information Officers from Borno State in recognition of his leadership and contribution to the profession.