By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The Office of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Bauchi State Governor has launched a strategic two-day training workshop in Gombe on sharpening the digital proficiency and policy communication skills of the Government House Press Crew.
Designed to modernize the state’s information dissemination framework, the programme aims to ensure that journalists are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age while maintaining high professional standards.
At the opening ceremony in Gombe, the Special Adviser to the Bauchi State Governor on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, emphasized that the initiative is critical for bridging the gap between the government and the citizenry.
“This workshop would strengthen the capacity of our journalists to serve as a bridge between the government and the people of Bauchi State by explaining policies, highlighting developmental achievements, promoting transparency, and fostering public trust,” Gidado stated.
He further noted that the training is vital for empowering reporters to combat the rising tide of misinformation, ensuring that the public receives only verified, credible information regarding state initiatives.
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Shehu, lauded the timing of the event, noting that it provides a necessary exposure to modern digital tools.
According to Shehu, the retreat is fundamentally aimed at refining contemporary reporting techniques, which will significantly elevate the quality of coverage surrounding the administration’s policies and programmes.
The initiative also received a warm reception from Gombe State officials. The Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communication to the state governor, Sulaiman Arzoo, praised the move as a model for inter-state professional development.
“This will equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to combat misinformation and ensure the dissemination of timely, accurate, and credible information to the public,” Misilli noted.
He added that such professional development is essential for raising the standard of government reporting across the region.
The workshop, which drew a diverse audience of academics, media practitioners, and political analysts, concluded with an enthusiastic commitment from the participating reporters.
Several attendees expressed gratitude for the investment in their professional growth, pledging to apply the newly acquired digital tools to improve their reportage and public engagement efforts.