By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano The Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding...
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
The Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding broadcasting standards to the Senate Committee on Information.
The leader made a major move in the continuous national initiatives aimed at modernizing Nigeria's broadcasting regulatory system and the current revision of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act.
The Governor, through his representative Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, revealed this during the 2nd Annual National Conference and Induction Ceremony of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) taking place in Kano. The event's theme is: “Broadcasting Ethics and Professionalism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).”
Sanusi Bature stated that the memorandum, developed after thorough discussions with media practitioners, legal specialists, and civil society representatives, embodies the Governor's strong conviction that Nigeria needs to enhance its regulatory system to tackle the increasing issues of false information, unethical broadcasting, and uncontrolled online material, particularly in religious and political areas.
At the 2025 Africa Summit held in Lagos, His Excellency urged the NBC to establish more rigorous benchmarks for the censorship, review, and regulation of online content, which plays a significant role in influencing public opinion and occasionally escalating societal tensions.
"Following the continuous evaluation of the NBC Act, the Governor has completed a comprehensive memorandum prepared for submission to the Senate Committee on Information, with the objective of fostering professionalism, responsibility, and ethical behavior in the media sector," he stated.
He stated that the memo points out key areas needing legislative improvement, such as controlling digital broadcasting and online media platforms; setting ethical guidelines for political and religious content; safeguarding journalists and media professionals; implementing international best practices in the age of artificial intelligence and increasing punishments for inappropriate and unprofessional broadcasting.
Bature stated that Governor Yusuf's active involvement in national media reforms highlights his dedication to fostering a responsible, ethical, and forward-looking broadcasting industry.
He mentioned that the Governor's guidance in media advancement has garnered him numerous national and international accolades, such as awards from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Leadership Newspapers, This Nigeria Newspapers, and African Heritage Magazine.
"These acknowledgments were not accidental. They demonstrate the Governor's ongoing commitment to backing journalists, upholding press freedom, investing in people, and fostering a media-friendly atmosphere," Bature remarked.
He emphasized significant state-level actions during the administration, such as approving a 2025 budget that focused on welfare and media growth; introducing a historic N1.368 trillion 2026 budget that increased funding for journalism and communication development; supporting Kano students in pursuing master’s degrees in India, Malaysia, Dubai, Uganda, and other African countries; and revitalizing three major media-related institutions—the Institute of Development Journalism (ARTV Headquarters), the Institute of Film Production, and the Institute of Information Technology (Kura).
"These organizations are now completely operational and are educating young Kano residents to develop into independent professionals in journalism, cinema, digital media, and information technology," he stated.
Bature called on broadcasters and media professionals to maintain the highest levels of ethical and occupational integrity, emphasizing that the media continues to be the key institution influencing public perception, mindsets, and national unity.
"Representing His Excellency, I urge all media professionals to commit once again to excellence and ethical conduct. The well-being of our society greatly relies on the accuracy of information," he said.
He officially opened the 2025 SNB Annual Conference and Induction Ceremony on behalf of the Governor, praising the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters for promoting excellence in the sector.
