The Bauchi state government Thursday expressed its commitment to enhancing the quality of services provided by the state-owned media outlets to align with international standards.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Shehu Usman, said this at the opening ceremony of a 3 -day capacity-building for staff of the Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) and Bauchi State Television Authority (BATV), held in Bauchi.
The training which targeted editors, reporters, producers, presenters, and other personnel from both radio and television stations, was designed to enhance professionalism, uphold ethical standards and boost digital proficiency in public broadcasting.
Usman stated that the government is not only focused on reviving BRC and BATV but also plans to recruit new staff to strengthen their operations.
He stated that no meaningful productivity can be achieved without capacity development, adding that the workshop was initiated in collaboration with the management of both stations to enhance skills, share knowledge, and improve content delivery.
“We expect improved performance in areas such as accurate reporting, sound editorial judgment, creative programming, and captivating storytelling.
“This training is a school in itself, providing a platform for discussion, in-depth analysis, and forecasting of future trends in broadcasting,” he said.
He described the training as a significant milestone in the state’s media development journey and urged participants to remain attentive and fully engaged throughout the sessions.
Usman reaffirmed the present administration’s support for a free, objective, and professional media landscape, which he said, is essential for societal stability and peace and commended Governor Bala Mohammed for approving the first-of-its-kind training, which is expected to uplift public service broadcasting in the state.
He also appreciated the roles played by media unions, such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television and Theatre Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), as well as regulatory agencies, urging continued cooperation for sustainable development in the sector.
The Head of Civil Service, Mohammed Sani Umar, lauded the ministry for organising the training in line with global best practices.
He encouraged civil servants, especially those in the media, to uphold professionalism, discipline, and the civil service code of conduct.
The managing director of BRC, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Shira, stated that the training aims to improve efficiency, responsiveness, and innovation.