News
NBC cautions broadcast stations against hate speech
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has urged media outlets to refrain from promoting hate speech and derogatory statements through political programs.
KANO FOCUS reports that Adamu Salisu, the head of NBC’s Kano zonal office, gave the directive during a meeting with representatives of the Freedom of Expression team, part of the Gidan Yanci fellowship program, at his office.
Salisu explained that the political program, which allows political critics, known as Sojojin Baka, to confront their opponents, was intentionally designed to prevent physical altercations and political thuggery.
He noted that, this provides politicians with opportunity to channel their frustrations through the political programs rather than engaging in physical attacks.
“Over time, the privilege of expressing political views on these programs has devolved into personal attacks, with some media stations providing a platform for hate speech.
“We are governed by the Nigerian Broadcasting Codes, and all radio stations possess a copy. Our role is to uphold these codes, which are currently in their sixth edition. The seventh edition, containing new principles not included in the previous ones, will be launched this year,” he stated.
Salisu confirmed that unprofessional journalists, political critics, and political officeholders are the main contributors to this issue. He commended the Gidan Yanci Fellowship program for its efforts to reform political programming in Kano and expressed satisfaction with Gidan Yanci’s work, which he believes will help educate political critics about the dangers of hate speech and its societal impact.
“They must understand that unverified statements or opinions could result in imprisonment. I am pleased that the public now recognizes their right to legally challenge defamatory statements. I hoped this awareness extends not only to individuals but also to the media outlets where such statements are made,” he added.
He said NBC will partner Gidan Yanci to continue raising awareness among political presenters and critics.
Salisu mentioned that, aside from political interference, a court ruling that prevents NBC from imposing fines on media stations has been a significant obstacle in addressing violations of the NBC codes.
Furthermore, Salisu clarified that NBC lacks the authority to prosecute politicians who make derogatory comments; their jurisdiction is restricted to media stations.
He however said NBC has been issuing warnings to broadcast media houses who breach its regulations.
On behalf of the Freedom of Expression Team, Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim pledged full support to NBC in achieving its objectives.
He expressed his delight at NBC’s willingness to collaborate with them to effect positive changes in political programming.
The Management of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has paid a benchmarking visit to its Ghana counterpart (the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana in Ghana.
KANO FOCUS reports that the NCC team under the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida were received by the Ag. Director General, National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana, Edmund Fianko, during a benchmarking visit of the NCC to the NCA in Ghana recently.
Aminu Abdullahi
In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Tuesday, 20th May, 2025 commissioned a state-of-the-art National Cybersecurity Centre at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
KANO FOCUS reports that the facility, unveiled, is poised to become a national hub for digital defense, innovation and talent development.
Dr. Jide Ajayi cutting the tape during the opening ceremony
Speaking during the commissioning, NITDA Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the center as more than just a physical structure—“a national asset”.
Represented by Dr. Jide Ajayi from the Zonal Coordination Department, Abdullahi noted that the Centre represents a strategic intervention to enhance cybersecurity education, research and cross-sector collaboration across Nigeria.
“This is not just the unveiling of a facility, it is the activation of a knowledge-driven platform designed to equip our nation with the tools, talent and infrastructure required to safeguard our digital space and empower the next generation of cybersecurity experts,” he stated.
He added that the center aligns with the objectives of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Minister’s Strategic Blueprint, serving as a springboard for collaboration among government, academia and industry stakeholders. It will support research, hands-on training, and act as a resource hub for regional and national partners working to secure Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and NITDA’s leadership for what he described as a visionary and transformative investment in Nigeria’s higher education and national development.
Group picture taken during opening ceremony
“This Centre is more than just a building—it is a symbol of foresight, partnership and the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping our universities with critical infrastructure for 21st-century education,” said the Vice-Chancellor.
“Indeed, the entire Bayero University community is agog with happiness,” he added.
The event was well attended by a distinguished audience, including the Principal Officers of Bayero University, senior management staff from BUK, NITDA, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, and a large number of academic and administrative staff, along with enthusiastic participation from students..
The 2023 Presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has debunked reaching a resolution with any individual on the trending defection rumoured to the ruling party or any other political party.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, who considered the recent statement credited to have suggested a particular position as an imagination of falsehood and fragmentation of political mischief against him.
A statement posted on his official X handle @KwankwasoRM, the ex-Governor insisted he has since refrained from commenting on contemporary political events, and will continue to do so for the time being.
In the said false information that went viral, Kwankwaso was quoted to have revealed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on multiple occasions, urging him to return to the APC fold.
Responding to a statement purportedly signed by one Ibrahim Rabiu, Sen. Kwankwaso insisted he had never signed or authorised any statement to be issued on his behalf.
“My attention has been drawn to a statement purportedly stating my position on the recurring political realignments. I wish to categorically state that such statements are false, unfounded, and products of political mischief.
“I have refrained from commenting on contemporary political events, and I will continue to do so for the time being.”
” I urge the public to only engage statements that come from my public handles and other official sources”. Kwankwaso RM.”
In a releted development, the author of the purported false statement Ibrahim Rabiu has issued a self counter, denouncing the statement as a work of devil.
“I Ibrahim Rabiu, wish to inform the general public that I was never authorised by Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso to issue and release a statement on his belhalf”
“I therefore wish to tender a public apology to his person with a promise that such childish act will never be repeated in the future, please find a space in your heart to forgive me, I was misled by fake news and agents of misinformation”
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