The Niger State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, has called for a deliberate repositioning of the state’s media landscape, with a strong focus on countering misinformation and embracing digital innovation.
Hon. Nana made the call during a two-day familiarisation tour of agencies under the Ministry of Information and Orientation, marking his first official engagement with the agencies since assuming office. He said the tour was designed to reconnect leadership with practitioners, gain firsthand insight into operational realities and set a new direction for state-owned media organisations.
Describing fake news and misinformation as grave threats to public trust, social cohesion and good governance, the commissioner noted that the erosion of credibility in the media space not only misinforms the public but also weakens democratic values.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the accurate, factual and timely dissemination of information across Niger State, stressing that credibility remains the strongest currency of any media organisation. According to him, professionalism and ethical journalism are critical tools in countering the spread of false information.
Hon. Nana urged editors, journalists and reporters to uphold truth, balance and responsibility in their reportage, emphasising that public interest must always remain paramount.
The familiarisation tour took the commissioner and his management team to the Niger State Printing and Publishing Company, publishers of Newsline Newspaper and Tauraruwa, as well as the Niger State Television (NSTV), where he interacted with staff, inspected facilities and reviewed operational structures.
At the Niger State Book and Intellectual Property Development Agency, Radio Niger and Crystal Radio FM, the commissioner held interactive sessions with staff, identifying challenges, listening to concerns and exploring opportunities for growth and improved service delivery. He noted that such engagements are essential to building a responsive and result-oriented information sector.
Central to the commissioner’s vision, he said, is the adoption of digital tools and innovative approaches to modernise content production, expand audience reach and enhance public engagement. He maintained that digital transformation is no longer optional, particularly in reaching younger audiences and countering the rapid spread of unverified information on online platforms.
Staff and management of the agencies visited expressed appreciation for the tour, describing it as a morale booster and a clear signal of the government’s commitment to strengthening and reforming the information sector. Many expressed optimism that the commissioner’s hands-on approach would lead to tangible improvements in operations, welfare and professional development.
The two-day tour, observers noted, has set the tone for renewed emphasis on innovation, professionalism and a sustained fight against misinformation, as Niger State move to rebuild trust in public information and position its media as credible and responsible platforms for public communication.
