Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has donated a new Toyota HiAce 18-seater bus to the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council.
Presenting the vehicle in Katsina on Wednesday, Radda said the donation aimed to improve journalists’ mobility, and also to enable them to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
According to him, the gesture will also enhance media coverage of different functions in the state, including the government activities.
He said every responsible government had a duty to ensure that information reached the people, describing the media as a vital partner in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance.
According to Radda, journalism plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and providing constructive feedback that helps governments improve their policies and programmes.
“The responsibility of any sensible government is to provide a means of disseminating information to the people. Journalism enhances good governance because different opinions help us see the right direction. Our collective responsibility is to move the state forward for the benefit of our people,” the governor said.
He urged journalists to continue to promote peace and uphold responsible reporting, particularly as the state continued to confront security challenges.
Radda said the media had a critical role in enlightening the public and cautioned against reports capable of undermining the state’s growth and development.
Earlier, Chairman of NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Yusuf Jargaba, commended the governor for the donation, describing it as timely and invaluable.
Jargaba said the chapel’s previous bus, donated during the administration of Gov. Aminu Masari, had become old and unreliable, making it difficult for journalists to cover some official engagements.
“Our previous bus has served us for about 10 years and has become very old. Sometimes we could not attend important activities because of its condition. With this new bus, Insha Allah, wherever you go for official engagements, we will be there to provide coverage,” he said.
He assured the governor of the chapel’s commitment to continue to ensure professional and responsible journalism, while praying for the success of his administration.
(NAN)
