By Yusuf Muh’d Inuwa

The Nigerian Press Council NPC has organized a one-day capacity building workshop for journalists from various broadcast stations as well as print media across the North-East, and with the theme: Public Trust and Ethical Journalism in the Digital Age.

The training focused on enhancing fact checking skills to combat misinformation.

Declaring the 2025 Annual Regional Workshop open in Bauchi, the NPC Executive Secretary, Dr Dili Ezughah, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to upholding ethical standards in Nigerian journalism.

Represented by the Council’s Director of Legal Matters, Dr. Ngozi Ike, Dr. Ezughah explained that the training was designed to equip journalists with the skills needed to navigate the challenges and responsibilities of today’s fast evolving digital media landscape.

He commended the Bauchi State Government for hosting the event and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their reportage to strengthen public trust.

Also speaking, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Shehu Usman, restated Governor Bala Mohammed’s commitment to repositioning state owned media organizations in line with international best practices.

One of the resource persons, Associate Professor Hamid Adamu of the North Eastern University, Gombe, stressed that the mass media must hold government accountable while maintaining objectivity and accuracy.

He praised the NPC for initiating the workshop and urged media organisations to adopt fact checking as a routine practice to prevent the spread of misinformation formation.

Participants were drawn from Jewel FM, Globe FM, Gombe Media Corporation, Vision FM Gombe, Albarka Radio, NTA, BATV, Students of Mass Communication Department Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, print media as well as media executives in the North-East.

By Our Correspondent

In a major push to promote entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance among women, a private firm, Shalele Ce Enterprises, has launched a training programme for 1,000 housewives in Gombe State on online business development.

The sensitisation programme, which kicked off at Gombe State University (GSU) on Sunday, aims to equip housewives with practical digital skills to help them start and manage businesses from the comfort of their homes.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Shalele Ce Enterprises, Maryam Ibrahim Jalo, said the initiative is designed to empower women with knowledge in digital marketing, online advertising, and product promotion.

“By enabling women to manage their businesses without leaving their homes, we aim to reduce marital conflicts and promote harmony within families,” she explained.

Jalo added that the programme is part of the company’s wider commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth through the empowerment of women.

The event drew support from government and business stakeholders. The Director of Publicity, Gombe State Chamber of Commerce, Yusuf Haruna, commended the initiative, noting that women entrepreneurs play a vital role in Nigeria’s economic development.

Also speaking on behalf of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Senior Special Adviser on Small and Medium Enterprises, Alhaji Abdulwahab Sabo, applauded the organisers and reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to support such programmes.

“The government is proud of this initiative and will ensure its integration into our broader plans for youth and women empowerment,” he stated.

One of the participants, Juwairiyyat Mohammed, expressed excitement over the programme, describing it as timely and impactful.

“This training is ideal for housewives like me. It allows us to balance our domestic duties with business opportunities online,” she said.

The event featured lectures from several business executives and digital experts from across the state who shared their experiences and insights with the participants.

By Nuhu Waziri

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in collaboration with a delegation of Norwegian journalists, has commenced a three-day training workshop in Gombe State aimed at promoting gender equality, safety, and gender-sensitive reporting.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Gombe State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Asma’u Muhammad Iganus, commended journalists across the state for their commitment to advancing gender-based initiatives that address the challenges facing women.

Represented by the Acting Assistant Director, Women Affairs, Mrs. Yoda Obida, the Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with NAWOJ in achieving gender equity and enhancing sensitivity in media reporting.

Also addressing participants, the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Jewel FM Gombe, Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta, urged NAWOJ leadership to intensify its campaigns on gender equality and safety.

He emphasized that such efforts are vital in dismantling the barriers preventing women from attaining leadership and political positions.

Dr. Danbatta also called on the association to actively mentor younger journalists to ensure the sustainability of gender advocacy and to improve the representation and integrity of women in journalism both within Gombe State and nationwide.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Gombe State Council, Bome Anron Samutar, encouraged women journalists to remain proactive in protecting and promoting women’s rights and integrity through impactful and ethical reporting.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State Council, Comrade Faruq Muazu Gombe, praised NAWOJ for initiating what he described as a timely and commendable programme.

Represented by the Union’s Secretary, Comrade Shuaibu Umar, Comrade Faruq highlighted the persistence of systemic barriers that hinder women’s full participation in politics, leadership, and access to equal opportunities.

He stressed that equipping journalists with proper training on gender-sensitive reporting will not only lead to responsible journalism but also foster positive societal change.

Comrade Faruq also revealed that NUJ Gombe is planning a broader capacity-building programme aimed at enhancing the professionalism and ethical standards of journalists in the state.