BBC Discloses Plans To Introduce Radio Education Prog For Out-of-School Children, Offers Training Opportunities For Kebbi Journalists
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has disclosed plans to provide specialized training opportunities for journalists in Kebbi State to enhance their professional capacity and equip them with modern skills in ethical journalism, election reporting, communication for development, and fact-checking.
A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by Governor Nasir Idris’ Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yahaya Sarki, noted that 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 delegation led by Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi visited the BBC office in Lagos.
Okharedia explained that the training is designed to strengthen reporting skills of journalists, improve professional standards, promote responsible communication, and support democratic governance.
He noted that the programme will 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 added that the training is strategically scheduled ahead of the 2027 general election 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 organization sees governments and political leaders as partners in development rather than adversaries.
He noted that constructive engagement and programmes like the BBC Hausa interactive platform have continued to promote accountability, provide practical solutions to societal challenges, and encourage good governance through responsible journalism.
Okharedia also disclosed 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 also said 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 while adding that Vice President Kashim Shettima is among the dignitaries expected to attend the event.
He further assured that the governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, the Kauran Gwandu, will receive a formal invitation to the event, reaffirming the BBC’s commitment to collaborating with Kebbi State in the area of 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, 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 will 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 will 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 his 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 organizations, and the promotion of responsible journalism.
The Kebbi State government delegation comprised Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yahaya Sarki; Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation, Ibrahim Jombali; Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, Special Adviser on New Media, Aliyu Bandado; and the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
