Associate Professor from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Sule Ya’u Sule, on Sunday, urged journalists to prioritize public interest while carrying out their constitutional roles of disseminating information, both in peace and crisis situations.
Sule Ya’u stated this in Kaduna, while presenting a lead paper entitled: “Fostering Cordial Relationship Between Journalists and the Government: Ethical Practice Sacrosanct to Journalists,” during a two-day 2025 Retreat organized by Kano state Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
The University don tasked journalists to ensure strict adherence to the codes and ethics of the profession, while discharging their duties, insisting that development journalism remains relevant in a country like Nigeria, battling with insecurity and other challenges.
He further stated that in as much as journalists are under obligation to uncover the negative sides of government policies, there was need for restraint, through fair and balanced reporting.
“Journalists serve as the eyes and ears of the public. Even though they always peep into the affairs of governance, bringing balanced reports of the negative and positive sides of government policies and affairs must be done with strict consideration of the impacts of the stories to public interest,” he said.
He advised journalists to verify stories before publication, adding that, “there is a rule in journalism that says: no matter how juicy a story is, if it is injurious to public interest, drop it.
“Report fairly and diplomatically for the interest of the public. In this era, we need diplomatic journalism, not to defend the government, but to employ common sense, towards ensuring a peaceful and better society. Journalists can also report crisis, but diplomacy remains sacrosanct.
“if government comes with a new policy, verify the tone of the policy from experts. Understand the policy before going to the press so that you will not falter. Journalists serves like a bridge between government and the public. Like a bridge, for us to be fair, we need to be connecting well
“We must discard the assumption that all government policies are bad. Before reporting any controversial policy, you need to understand it., Stop the assumption that all policies of government are anti-people.
‘Avoid framing stories. We are told not to input our personal ideas or ideology in our stories. Avoid brining in your personal opinion into your stories. As journalists, let us stop seeing the government as anti-people. Let us always be fair. It is only when the society is at peace that journalists can practice.”
In his address, Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim; commended the leadership of Kano Correspondents” Chapel for organizing the Retreat.
According to him: “Retreats such as this are vital not only for sharpening professional skills but also to strengthening partnership between government and the media in the service of our people.
“Judging by the theme of this retreat — “Emerging Trends in Journalism: Impacts of AI, News Sources, and Digitally Driven Newsrooms in Modern Journalism; Tasks Ahead of Journalists” — I am firmly convinced that participants will return home better equipped to understand and adapt to the emerging trends in your noble profession.
“With other papers presented under the sub-themes “Pressure Amidst Tight Deadlines: Psychiatric and Mental Health Precautions,” “The Defamatory Borderlines in Media Reports: A Legal Perspective,” and the lead paper delivered by Professor Sule Yau Sule, “Fostering Cordial Relationships Between Journalists and Government,” I am confident that the entire period spent here in Kaduna has been judiciously utilized.
“The role of the media in society remains one of the strongest pillars of democracy. You are the conscience of the society. The media informs, educates, and guides public opinion.”
Governor Yusuf further stated that: “In Kano, we continue to witness the positive impact of responsible journalism. Members of the media have reported extensively on the developmental achievements of our administration despite the daunting political atmosphere.
“Let me therefore use this opportunity to appreciate all journalists working tirelessly — especially members of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel under the present leadership to bring credible information to the public.”
In his remarks, Kaduna state Governor, Senator Uba Sani, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Ahmad Maiyaki, said: “Between government and the media, none of these entities are in competition against each other. All always strive to protect public interest.
“As government officials, we must stop seeing the media as channels of publicity only, we must also view the media as active partners in governance. The media are partners. Yes. The media have to partner with government for development and projection of public interest.
The chairman of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Murtala Adewale, in his welcome address, said the Retreat was organized, “to stimulate new thinking and fresh approaches in the way and manner we practice journalism. Naturally, after clearing our minds and ventilating our thoughts, we hope to improve both our mental well-being and our professional capacity.
“The theme of this retreat, encapsulated as “Emerging Trends in Journalism: Impact of AI, News Sources, and the Digital-Driven Newsroom in Modern Journalism — Tasks Before Journalists,” is designed to examine the future of journalism and prepare us for what lies ahead in our profession.
“Beyond the general theme, we have also explored several papers on mental health, legal perspectives on defamation, and the emerging opportunities and challenges in digital media.”
Other dignitaries who graced the opening ceremony of the Retreat include Kano state Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya; the Spokesperson to Governor Yusuf, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa; Special Advisers to Kano state Governor on Publicity, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Speaker; Special Adviser to Kano state Governor on Information, Ibrahim Adamu; leaders of NUJ from Kano and Kaduna states, among others
