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

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe State has commenced a sustained capacity-building programme for its staff, aimed at strengthening election administration in preparation for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking at a one-day workshop held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Hajiya Amina Inuwa Gombe Women Development Centre, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to continuous staff training as a strategic response to evolving challenges, emerging technologies, and changing legal frameworks in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The workshop, themed “Capacity Building: A Tool for Successful Election Administration”, brought together staff of the INEC State Office in Gombe for intensive knowledge-sharing sessions.

Dr. Idris described the initiative as “not just an administrative formality but a deliberate and indispensable investment in the integrity of our electoral process and the vibrancy of our democracy.” He stressed that capacity building remains central to enhancing efficiency, transparency, and credibility in elections.

“In preparing for the CVR and the 2027 elections, we must equip our staff with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to deliver on the Commission’s mandate,” he said.

The lead presentation by Dr. Idris highlighted the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for strengthening staff competencies. This was followed by a plenary session where participants discussed innovative ways to improve electoral processes.

Head of VR/ICT in the state, Engr. Bitson Filibus, also delivered a technical briefing on the upcoming CVR, offering insights into its operational and technological requirements.

It will be recalled that Dr. Idris, upon assuming office in June 2025, pledged to institutionalise monthly capacity-building and knowledge-sharing programmes. Thursday’s session marks the first in the series, with future editions expected to include field officers, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders.

“With the elections drawing nearer, the professionalism of our personnel will remain the bedrock of public trust in the electoral process,” Dr. Idris added.

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.