By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
In a bold move to strengthen the media landscape in Yobe State, Governor Mai Mala Buni, has donated 100 brand-new laptops to journalists who participated in a three-day capacity-building workshop organized in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The closing ceremony, held at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, saw the Governor—represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, mni—reaffirm his administration’s commitment to empowering the press as a vital partner in peace and development.
Governor Buni charged journalists to embrace truth, accuracy, and professionalism as guiding principles in their reportage, warning against sensationalism and inflammatory narratives that could destabilize the fragile peace Yobe has worked hard to restore.
> “This gesture is not just about providing tools; it is a tangible investment in empowering you to carry out your noble responsibility with greater efficiency and integrity,” Buni declared.
“Your words have immense power. In this era of rapidly evolving information technology, I urge you to wield your pens and these laptops with responsibility. Prioritizing truth and accuracy is not only a professional duty but also a vital contribution to sustaining our hard-won peace.”
Reflecting on Yobe’s resilience through insurgency and recovery, the Governor emphasized that responsible journalism plays a crucial role in consolidating progress and fostering social harmony.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information, and Culture, Hon. Abdullahi Bego, described the initiative as proof of the Buni administration’s commitment to inclusive growth anchored on continuity, consolidation, and innovation.
The workshop featured paper presentations, hands-on sessions, and interactive discussions aimed at equipping journalists with modern tools and sharpening ethical standards in line with global best practices.
By gifting laptops and charging participants with renewed responsibility, Governor Buni underscored his recognition of the media as a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and peace-building in Yobe State.