Katsina

By Abbas Bamalli The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) West Africa has empowered 40 journalists in Katsina as part of efforts to strengthen media professionalism and promote ethical reporting. The effort was realised through a two-day capacity-building workshop held in Katsina, designed to strengthen their roles in preventing information manipulation and promoting accurate, responsible public communication. The CDD Training Coordinator, Mrs Chioma Valerie, explained that the programme was designed to equip journalists with the skills needed to counter misinformation and manage information responsibly. She noted that a key outcome of the workshop was the development of a corps of journalists capable of contributing to a stable and peaceful society through ethical and accurate reporting. Read Also: Lere: A Historic Fulani Settlement and Cultural Crossroads in Southern Kaduna Kano State Polytechnic Takes Step Toward University-Affiliated PGD Programmes Why Science College Dawakin Kudu Remains a Pride of Kano’s Educational Heritage Participants engaged in interactive discussions on strategies for promoting ethical journalism and strengthening public trust in media content. The sessions explored the concept, purpose and importance of fact-checking, clearly distinguishing it from verification and highlighting how both processes support credible reporting. The training also addressed the dangers of publishing unverified information, exposing journalists to the potential consequences of misinformation. Participants were introduced to reputable fact-checking organisations and initiatives, as well as practical methods for assessing source credibility and cross-checking information. Further sessions focused on verifying images, videos and documents using digital tools and open-source intelligence (OSINT). Journalists were trained to identify common red flags in misinformation, such as emotional language, false urgency and the absence of clear attribution. A key trainer at the workshop emphasised the responsibility of media practitioners to actively combat information manipulation. Participants were encouraged to verify information before publication, promote media literacy among audiences, use accurate and factual headlines, provide context for complex issues and collaborate with credible institutions. The workshop concluded with discussions on best practices in responsible journalism, equipping participants with practical tools to enhance the quality, accuracy and credibility of media reporting in Nigeria.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has trained no fewer than 200 youths in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State in solar installation and repairs. The exercise being implemented in collaboration with Murna Foundation, also trained the participants in financial literacy to ensure effective business management. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training is being done under the UNDP’s Northwest Climate-Peace Hubs, a climate-security approach to conflict prevention. Read Also: Katsina, UNDP train officials on climate security Speaking at the event, Hajiya Aisha Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer, Murna Foundation, said that the training aimed to equip the youths with marketable skills in renewable energy. Represented by Dr Shafi’u Abubakar, a member of the foundation, Ahmed said the training would create entrepreneurial opportunities for the youths. “The aim is to equip youths dwelling around security challenged border areas with both technical and business skills to launch their own ventures. “This will help to boost the economy, create a skilled workforce, support transition to green-economy, and build entrepreneurs. “The training will also provide the youth with the skills needed to become self-reliant. This move will divert their attention from crime, and reduce unemployment,” she said. Earlier, the Chairman, Jibia Local Government Area, Alhaji Sirajo Ado, said that the council was ready for partnership to empower women and youths in the area. Represented by the Vice Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Aliyu, Ado urged the participants to imbibe knowledge that would be of benefits to them. Also speaking, the District Head of Jibia, Alhaji Rabe Rabiu, commended the UNDP and Murna Foundation for the gesture, and described it as ‘a step in the right direction’ Represented by Alhaji Sade Rabiu, Magajin Garin Jibia, Rabiu urged the youths to see the training as a life-changing opportunity. Some of the participants who spoke to NAN, expressed their willingness to take advantage of the opportunity to become self-reliant. (NAN)

The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has begun a three-day capacity building workshop for selected government officials. The workshop, which began in Katsina on Tuesday, was held with the state’s Bureau of Statistics to enhance participants’ knowledge of security, peace, and climate resilience. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised through the Norwegian Climate Security Project to strengthen the Bureau’s institutional capacity. Read Also: Katsina distributes wheelchairs, learning kits to 500 out-of-school children The Statistician General of the state, Prof. Saifullahi Sani, said the training comes at a crucial time when accurate data is needed to understand climate and conflict impacts. He said the knowledge gained would improve participants’ ability to collect, analyse and use data for better planning, and develop evidence-based solutions to emerging challenges. According to him, climate change and conflict remain pressing issues with far-reaching effects on communities across Katsina and beyond. Sani noted that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and frequent extreme weather events are worsening tensions and posing fresh threats to peace and security. He added that Katsina had witnessed the damaging impact of climate change and conflict but also the resilience of its communities in facing such adversity. He urged participants to harness that resilience and determination to build a peaceful and sustainable future for the state. Sani also said Katsina ranked top in the 2025 sub-national climate governance index due to its heavy investment in data systems and clean energy. He commended the UNDP for its support, expressing confidence that the training would contribute to a more resilient and peaceful Katsina State. The Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Malik Anas, said the training marked another step toward achieving sustainable development and resilience in the state. Represented by planning officer, Fatima Abdulaziz, Anas said the training would help directors of planning and research gather and process accurate data for government use. The UNDP representative, Mr Adamu Musa, said the intervention aimed to enhance staff competence in modern data software, quality assurance, and data interpretation. He added that the initiative has improved the Bureau’s ability to generate credible, evidence-based data to support policy formulation and climate security planning in the state. (NAN)