The Kanwan Katsina, District Head of Ketare, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara mni, has called for continuous training and capacity building for journalists, particularly in areas such as digital journalism, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and global best practices.
Speaking at the 2026 World Radio Day celebration organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, Alhaji Usman Bello highlighted the transformative role of AI in news gathering, editing, and dissemination. He stressed, however, that professionalism, ethical standards, and responsible application of technology are essential to safeguard credibility and sustain public trust in journalism.
The monarch described radio as the most accessible and people-oriented medium of communication, especially in rural communities. Despite the rapid growth of the internet and digital platforms, he noted, radio remains the closest medium to the grassroots.
He further emphasized the importance of improving journalists’ welfare through timely payment of salaries, regular promotions, and better working conditions, which he said are vital to strengthening professionalism and integrity in the media industry.
Alhaji Usman Bello also urged the Katsina State Government to expedite the establishment of additional FM radio stations across the three senatorial zones of the state. According to him, setting up state-owned FM stations in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua would enhance public awareness of government policies and programmes, improve sensitization on security, health, and education, boost revenue generation, and create employment opportunities for youths and media professionals.
He commended the NUJ Katsina State Council for consistently inviting him to its annual event and congratulated the union for joining the global community in commemorating World Radio Day — a day set aside to highlight the importance of radio in education, public enlightenment, social cohesion, and democratic development.
In their separate presentations, Dr. Samaila Balarabe and Dr. Kurfi, lecturers from the Department of Mass Communication at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, outlined both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents to modern broadcasting and journalism.
Other dignitaries at the event included 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, the immediate past chairman of the NUJ Katsina State Council.
World Radio Day is observed annually on 13 February to recognize the vital role of radio as a powerful medium for information dissemination and community development.