BBC Offers Training Opportunities for Kebbi Journalists, Educational Programme for Out-of-School Children 

BBC Offers Training Opportunities for Kebbi Journalists, Educational Programme for Out-of-School Children

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has offered to provide specialized training opportunities for journalists from Kebbi State to enhance their professional capacity and equip them with modern skills in ethical journalism, election reporting, communication for development, and fact-checking.

The Head of BBC News in Nigeria and BBC West Africa Regional Director/Bureau Chief, Mr. Ehizojie Okharedia, disclosed this when a Kebbi State Government media delegation, led by the  Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, paid him a courtesy visit at the BBC office in Lagos.

Okharedia explained that the training is designed to strengthen journalists’ reporting skills, improve professional standards, promote responsible communication, and support democratic governance.

He noted that the programme would also accommodate journalists from neighbouring countries, including Niger and Chad, while assuring Kebbi State of participation slots, with the exact number to be communicated in due course.

He stated that the training is strategically scheduled ahead of the 2027 general elections to prepare journalists for the sensitive task of election coverage.

According to him, participants will receive practical training on balanced and impartial reporting, fact-checking and verification of information, identifying credible election sources, engaging all stakeholders fairly, and adhering to the highest ethical standards throughout the electoral process.

The BBC Regional Director emphasized that the organisation regards governments and political leaders as partners in development rather than adversaries.

He explained that through constructive engagement, programmes such as the BBC Hausa interactive platform continue to promote accountability, provide practical solutions to societal challenges, and encourage good governance through responsible journalism.

Okharedia also announced that the BBC will soon launch a free radio education programme targeting out-of-school children across Northern Nigeria.

The Hausa-language programme will broadcast lessons in English, Mathematics, Agriculture, and other subjects through partner radio and television stations at no cost to learners.

He disclosed that the initiative, which will be implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant government agencies, will be formally launched in Abuja, with the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, expected to attend.

He further assured that the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, would receive a formal invitation to the event, reaffirming the BBC’s commitment to collaborating with Kebbi State in media development, education, and good governance.

Okharedia recalled the historic Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as one of Kebbi State’s greatest cultural assets, noting that it has placed the state on the global tourism map and remains a major driver of cultural heritage and economic development.

He also commended Governor Nasir Idris for his transformative leadership despite criticism from political opponents.

“I know Governor Nasir Idris as a humble, responsive, and open-minded leader who is neither defensive nor arrogant, but always willing to seek advice and embrace constructive ideas that will promote the development and future prosperity of Kebbi State,” he said.

Speaking during the visit, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, expressed appreciation to the BBC for selecting Kebbi journalists to benefit from the training programme and welcomed the introduction of the educational radio initiative for out-of-school children.

He described both initiatives as timely interventions that would strengthen journalism practice, enhance professional capacity, and expand access to quality education across Northern Nigeria.

The Commissioner assured the BBC that the Kebbi State Government would fully utilize the training and educational opportunities for the benefit of its people.

He also highlighted the achievements of Governor Nasir Idris in education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and security, describing the administration as one that is faithfully delivering on its campaign promises and improving the welfare of citizens.

The Commissioner further condemned the spread of misinformation aimed at discrediting the Kebbi State Government, citing reports on the alleged emergence of a new terrorist group in the state and claims of daily infant deaths as examples of false narratives that were disproved by security agencies and relevant authorities.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, collaboration with credible media organisations, and the promotion of responsible journalism.

The delegation on the advocacy visit comprised the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki; the Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation, Ibrahim Jombali; the Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Abdullahi Idris Zuru; the Special Adviser on New Media, Aliyu Bandado; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris.