The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote professionalism, ethical journalism, and responsible dissemination of information.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bello Sambo Danchadi, stated this while declaring open a one-day workshop organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) aimed at strengthening journalists’ capacity in accurate judicial reporting and responsible news writing.
The workshop, organised by the Sokoto State Council of the NUJ, focused on the theme: “Accurate Court Reporting: A Pillar of Justice and Public Trust.”
Danchadi described the workshop as timely and highly relevant, noting that the media plays a critical role in safeguarding justice, promoting accountability, and sustaining democracy.
“The judiciary remains one of the most sensitive and critical institutions in any democratic society. Court proceedings and judicial pronouncements influence governance and affect the lives of citizens,” he said.
According to the commissioner, judicial reporting requires professionalism, fairness, accuracy, and a sound understanding of legal processes, warning that inaccurate or sensational reporting could mislead the public, damage reputations, and undermine confidence in the justice system.
He urged journalists covering judicial matters to uphold the highest ethical standards by ensuring balance, objectivity, and factual accuracy in their reports.
“Credibility remains the foundation of journalism. Public trust in the media is built when reports are verified, responsible, and free from bias or misinformation,” Danchadi added.
He noted that the workshop would provide journalists with deeper knowledge of judicial reporting, legal terminologies, court procedures, and responsible news writing practices.
The commissioner further stated that the administration of Ahmed Aliyu remains committed to supporting training and capacity-building programmes for journalists and social media practitioners in the state.
“We recognise the media as strategic partners in development, peacebuilding, and democratic governance,” he said, adding that more training programmes are being planned for media professionals in the state.
Danchadi also commended the organisers, resource persons, and stakeholders for contributing to the success of the workshop and encouraged the NUJ to sustain similar professional development initiatives.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ Sokoto State Council, Usman Mohammed Binji, described the workshop as a strategic effort to strengthen journalists’ understanding of judicial reporting and promote responsible journalism.
He said judicial reporting remains one of the most sensitive areas of journalism because it directly influences public understanding of the justice system and shapes public trust in both the judiciary and the media.
“Our theme today reminds us that democracy and justice can only thrive when information reaching the public is factual, balanced, and professionally presented,” Binji said.
He stressed the need for journalists to remain committed to truth, ethical standards, and responsible reporting, particularly at a time when misinformation spreads rapidly and legal issues are often misunderstood.
According to him, the workshop was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge on judicial processes, legal boundaries, ethical considerations, and the proper use of court documents.
Binji added that the resource persons invited for the workshop possess extensive experience in both journalism and the legal profession and urged participants to actively engage during the sessions.
He also appreciated the support of the Sokoto State Government and other stakeholders for their commitment to strengthening journalism and promoting public trust through accurate and responsible reporting.
“As journalists, our reports should educate and enlighten the public, not create confusion. They should promote justice, fairness, and accountability while upholding the ethics and integrity of our profession,” he stated
