By Sani Bala Karo,
In efforts to strengthen professional knowledge of election coverage, fact checks, conflict and sensitive reporting as well as personal safety measures of reporters, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kano Online Media Chapel has given a refresher training for its members ahead of 2027 elections.
Addressing participants at the occasion, the Chairman of Kano Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulƙadir Ɗangambo stressed that, this was necessary in view of the nature and peculiarities of Kano politics while election fast approaches.
He noted that Kano voters deserve to know what they are entitled to, as citizens, and Kano Online has a critical role to play in this regards being the first outlet of sourcing news in the media that enjoys the public trust.
He therefore caution members to avoid posting sensational headlines and fake news. Adding that “we have seen a lot of harassments and attacks” as a result of that, and urged them to take things seriously, share any utterances of threat and be safe.
Delivering a goodwill message the representative of Aminu Magashi Garba Foundation, one of the collaborating bodies, Malam Sulaiman Jalo, stated that the Foundation steps in to work with KOMC in recognition of the efficient, productive and transparent services of our journalists, and urged them to maintain the core values of the profession.
Prominent members of the union presented lead papers, including Malam Abbas Ibrahim, a national trustee of the NUJ, and Malam Ahmad Isyaku, Secretary of KOMC chapel.
The first paper delved on *Ethical, Responsible, Campaign, Election Reporting and Journalists Safety* while the second dealt with *Fact-checking and Combating Election Misinformation.*
Some participants expressed delight and satisfaction in content and organisation of the workshop. One of them, Lawal Maikudi describe it as highly resourceful and very lively.
Among the personalities that graced the occasion include former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Malam Usman Bello, Kano State Council Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, Abdullatif Abubakar Jos, CEO Solace Base Media and other unions such as Correspondents Chapel, Women Journalists (NAWOJ) among others.
