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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Home-based Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen has invited Kano Pillars legendary midfielder, Rabiu Ali, and 29 players for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Ghana.
KANO FOCUS reports that the 8th edition of the continental championship – reserved exclusively for footballers plying their trade with clubs in their country’s domestic Leagues with standard contracts – is scheduled to take place in February 2025 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Kano Pillars’ evergreen midfielder, Rabiu Ali, who has scored eight goals this season, is among the players called.
The 44-year-old Ali has been a key player for Kano Pillars this season alongside Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa.
Other Kano Pillars players invited are Aminu Adam Sani and Nelson Abiam.
All the invited players will arrive at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State on Wednesday, 4th December 2024, where the team will train ahead of the first leg of the qualification fixture against Ghana’s Black Stars B, billed for the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, 22nd December.
The second leg will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 28th December.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Isa Haladu, the director, Planning, Research and Statistics Office of the Kano State Ministry of Health, has emerged as the co-chairperson, representing the government in the Kano State Accountability Mechanism (KanSLAM).
KANO FOCUS reports In a letter signed by Pharm Maimuna Yakubu, the Co-chair (CSOs) to Haladu, “the DPRS is recognized as the automatic Co-chairperson of KanSLAM.
“As a key player in this process, the DPRS’ office co-chairmanship will play an instrumental role in ensuring success of this partnership,” she said.
While officially presenting the letter to Haladu on Saturday at a KanSLAM review meeting at Joclarif Hotel in Zaria, Safiyanu Bichi a member of KanSLAM stated that Haladu’s emergence as the govt. co-chair will bring more development and opportunities for the SLAM.
In his remarks, the newly appointed government co-chairperson expressed his delight for being part of KanSLAM.
He stated that immediately he received the notification letter via email, he shared it with the Kano Commissioner of Health Dr Labaran Yusuf.
“I fully accept this responsibility and I am optimistic that this will facilitate in continuing the good work that KanSLAM has done in the past,” he said.
Haladu recalled how the SLAM transformed from Accountability Mechanism for Maternal and Child Healthcare in Kano State (AMMKaS) to KanSLAM, stressing that the SLAM is now enlarged and much more effective.
He added: “KanSLAM has contributed in the establishment of Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA), Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA), and Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) and I believe more achievements are on the way.”
KanSLAM is a coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Civil Servants and Journalists advocating for improved service delivery in human capital development sectors.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has joined the Board of Directors of TMT advocacy body of the International Institute of Communications(IIC).
KANO FOCUS reports that currently serving as the EVC/CEO at NCC, Dr Maida plays a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape. Under his leadership, the NCC continues to advance connectivity, foster innovation, and promote a competitive and inclusive telecommunications industry.
Dr Maida’s career includes significant contributions to leading global organizations such as British Telecom, Cisco Systems, and EE Ltd. He was also a pioneering engineering team member at UbiquiSys Ltd, a groundbreaking small-cell technology startup acquired by Cisco Systems in 2013.
Prior to his current role, Dr Maida was the Executive Director of Technology and Operations at the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems PLC (NIBSS). There, he spearheaded the modernization of Nigeria’s central digital payments infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a critical enabler of the country’s financial ecosystem.
Dr Maida holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Bath, an MEng in Information Systems Engineering from Imperial College London, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship from the Cambridge Judge Business School.
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