Bauchi Governor Urges Broadcasters to Promote Credible Reporting for Democracy

Bauchi State Governor Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has called on broadcasters across Nigeria to focus on credible reporting to strengthen democracy. He made this statement on Monday during a conference in Bauchi aimed at addressing the challenges of misinformation and fake news.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Auwal Jatau, emphasized the importance of traditional media in verifying information, especially with the rise of social media. He highlighted that accurate and responsible reporting is crucial as manipulated content can spread rapidly.

The conference, themed “Responsible Broadcasting in an Election Year: Countering Misinformation, Promoting Peace and Strengthening Democracy,” gathered media professionals and broadcasters. Governor Mohammed noted that his administration has invested over 3 billion Naira in upgrading state-owned media to improve digital broadcasting and ensure credible information dissemination.

He pointed out that credible broadcasting is essential for building public trust and encouraging constructive dialogue, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. The governor urged all levels of government to support the media industry, stating that responsible broadcasting is vital for peace and national unity.

During the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, represented by Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, spoke about the Federal Government’s significant investments in broadcasting due to its role in national development. The conference also included the induction of new members into the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters.

Professor Umar Pate, the National President of the Society, encouraged the use of technology in digital broadcasting to improve the quality and timeliness of reporting ahead of the upcoming elections. The event was attended by various stakeholders in the media industry, including government officials and communication students.