The Kanwan Katsina District Head of Ketare, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara has stated the need for the continuous training and capacity building of journalists in the country.
He averred that the training should focus on latest trends in the industry such as digital journalism, artificial intelligence (AI), and global best practices.
The royal father who was known for his smooth way and manner he handled the media in his hey days in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), made this known while delivering an address at the 2026 World Radio Day celebration organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that the world radio day is set aside to highlight the importance of radio in education, public enlightenment, social cohesion, and democratic development.
It is observed annually on February 13 to recognize the vital role of radio as a powerful medium for information dissemination and community development.
Speaking on the 2026 theme which focuses on the impact of AI on the media industry, Kankara observed that AI is already transforming news gathering, editing, and dissemination.
According to him, the importance of professionalism, ethical standards, and responsible application of the technology to safeguard credibility and sustain public trust in journalism cannot be over stressed.
Describing radio as the most accessible and people-oriented medium of communication, especially in rural communities, the royal father noted that despite the rapid growth of the internet and other digital platforms, radio remains the closest medium to the grassroots.
He also called for the improvement of journalists’ welfare through timely payment of salaries, regular promotions, and better working conditions just as he maintained that these are essential to strengthening professionalism and integrity within the media industry.
He enjoined the Katsina State Government to expedite action on the establishment of additional FM radio stations across the three senatorial zones of the state, pointing out that setting up state-owned FM stations in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua would enhance public awareness of government policies and programmes.
According to him, it will also improve sensitization on security, health, and education, boost revenue generation, and create employment opportunities for youths and media professionals.
The District Head was full of praise for the NUJ, Katsian State Council for consistently inviting him to its annual event and congratulated the union for joining the rest of the world in commemorating World Radio Day.
Two lecturers in the Department of Mass Communication, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Dr. Samaila Balarabe and Dr. Kurfi in their separate presentations at the event, in their separate papers on the theme of the day, outlined both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents to modern broadcasting and journalism.
Many persons from several walks of life attended the even including the Special Adviser to the Katsina State Governor on Cultural Orientation Alhaji Isa Mohammed Musa and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information Comrade Tukur Hassan Dan Ali who is the immediate past chairman of the NUJ Katsina State Council.
