Members of the Bauchi Government Press Crew have been reminded that their work matters now more than ever, as they are not just media personnel but custodians of truth, promoters of development, and champions of democratic values.
This assertion was made by the Special Adviser to Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, in a keynote address presented at the opening ceremony of a two-day retreat for the Government House Press Crew, held in Kano on Sunday.
He stressed, “We have come together under the theme: ‘Enhancing Effective and Efficient Coverage of Government Activities for Sustainable Growth and Development.’ This theme is not only timely but profoundly relevant, especially as we navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape and a public sphere increasingly driven by real-time information, citizen engagement, and demands for transparency and accountability.”
He expressed appreciation to the Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have made it imperative for media professionals to upgrade their capacity to match the pace of his administration’s unprecedented achievements.
According to him, “It is on record that since I assumed office as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, I have placed high priority on building the intellectual and professional capacity of our crew members. This retreat is the third of its kind and solely sponsored by the Bauchi State Government under the inspirational leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed.”
The Media Aide added that the Government House Press Crew occupies a unique and vital place in the communication ecosystem of the state. “You are not mere observers; you are conveyors of truth, narrators of progress, and defenders of public trust.”
“Through your lenses, microphones, pens, and keyboards, the citizens of Bauchi State and indeed Nigeria gain insight into the workings of government, the policy decisions of His Excellency, and the developmental strides being undertaken across every sector,” he added.
Mukhtar Gidado emphasised that in an era where misinformation and sensationalism threaten the very foundation of responsible journalism, the importance of professionalism, ethical conduct, and integrity cannot be overstated.
He reminded them, “You are the first line of defence against the distortion of facts, and you are equally the first voices in shaping the public perception of the administration.”
He further stated, “It is in recognition of this great responsibility that we have organised this retreat to sharpen our skills, renew our commitment to ethical journalism, and reflect on how we can continue to serve as worthy ambassadors of the Government House.”
“It is therefore important for each and every one of us to recognise that as members of the fourth estate of the realm, we are the mirror of society, and society in return expects a lot from us. We should therefore avoid biased reportage of events and remain steadfast in our professional calling, as we are also being watched by the larger society,” he added.
He then stated, “The ball is with us. We either play it well by wisely using the tip of our pens, or we destroy it, and as a result of our carelessness, society will remain doomed. God forbid.”
Mukhtar Gidado reflected on the remarkable achievements of their leader and mentor, His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. “From his first term to his ongoing second tenure, Governor Bala has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of political sagacity, administrative brilliance, and unwavering passion for service delivery.”
He added, “Under his stewardship, Bauchi State has witnessed a transformational revolution in infrastructure, with over 1,000 kilometres of roads constructed and rehabilitated, connecting rural communities to urban centres and opening new economic corridors.”
“The education sector has received strategic investments in school renovation, teacher recruitment, and the construction of new model schools, ensuring our children are not only in school but are learning in conducive environments.”
Healthcare delivery has equally received a boost with the construction of new primary health centres, the revitalisation of general hospitals, and the deployment of skilled personnel across the state.
In agriculture, farmers have benefitted from input support, mechanisation programmes, and access to credit, positioning Bauchi as a rising agrarian hub in northern Nigeria.
“Perhaps most commendable is Governor Bala Mohammed’s people-centred governance—inclusive, transparent, and participatory. From youth empowerment to women’s inclusion in governance, His Excellency has set a standard that reflects his belief in equity, justice, and social progress,” he added.
“In the media sector, the digitisation of BATV and BRC has reached an advanced stage of completion. This is in addition to the numerous complementary assistance provided to media houses, relevant unions, and individual journalists too numerous to mention.”
He added, “Distinguished colleagues, no matter how noble or impactful government’s achievements are, they will remain unknown, unappreciated, or misunderstood without effective communication.”
“This retreat is a call to action—a call to enhance our capacity for storytelling, improve our grasp of new media technologies, deepen our understanding of ethical reporting, and build a more cohesive, professional press corps that can represent the Governor’s vision with clarity, dignity, and impact.”
He announced, “We will be engaging with seasoned facilitators, communication experts, and media strategists such as Mr Shuibu Usman Leman, the immediate past National Secretary of NUJ; Mr Emma Agwu, former Managing Director of Champion Newspaper and now a Media Consultant to Governor Bala Mohammed, who will be joining us via Zoom; Malam Sule Ya’u Sule, Director of Press Affairs to Governor Ibrahim Shekarau for eight years and now a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); and Malam Abdul Bura, a lecturer in the Mass Communication Department of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi.”
“They will take us through sessions on reportage techniques, media ethics, content creation, crisis communication, and digital media management. I urge you to participate actively, share experiences, and use this platform not only to learn but to bond as a team.”
In conclusion, “Let us use this retreat to recommit ourselves to these ideals and emerge better equipped to tell the Bauchi story—a story of hope, progress, and transformation under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed.”
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