The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kaduna State in Northwest Nigeria, Muhammad Lawal Shehu has called for a robust working relationship between the media and the state government.
He made the request when he embarked on a tour of media stations within the state capital.
According to him, the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the working relationship between the state government and media organizations, as well as to project a positive image of Kaduna State.
The media stations visited by Mr Shehu included Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Kaduna, Freedom Radio, and Liberty Radio/TV respectively.
He said the tour is a demonstration of Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to fostering a healthy relationship with the media and ensuring transparent communication with the public.
Mr Shehu pledged to work towards mending any possible gap that exists in the relationship between the state government and media practitioners.
“He emphasized the importance of collaboration in promoting accurate reportage and projection of a positive image of Kaduna State.”
He posited that Governor Sani, being one of those who fought for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria, has always been a friend of the media.
“He further buttresses this point by citing instances where Senator Sani assisted so many media practitioners in Kaduna State long before becoming a Senator.
He emphasized that both the media and government have a common goal, which is to serve the people of Kaduna State, and that they can achieve this goal more effectively by working together.”
Shehu therefore urged journalists to be fair and balanced in their reportage, while also assuring them that their concerns would be addressed by his office.
In their respective responses, the heads of the media organizations visited expressed appreciation for Mr Shehu’s initiative and promised to partner with the state government towards achieving its objectives of taking Kaduna state to an enviable height.
They acknowledged the critical role that a strong working relationship between the government and media plays in fostering transparency, accountability, and development of a state.
