The Kaduna State Government has officially declared that fake news and the dissemination of misinformation pose a more significant threat to public peace than conventional insecurity. This assertion was made by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, during a meeting with the leadership of the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The visit was part of a broader awareness campaign in anticipation of the 2026 NIPR International Conference, scheduled to take place in Abuja.
The Pervasive Danger of Misinformation
Commissioner Maiyaki underscored the capacity of misinformation to escalate tensions, deepen mistrust among communities, and ultimately undermine ongoing efforts to foster peace and stability within Kaduna and other regions across Nigeria.
“In order to market Kaduna the way it should be marketed, instead of reporting confrontation, we believe very strongly that insecurity is not just a threat to peace, but fake information and misinformation is a greater threat, as seen in Kaduna and Nigeria,”
he stated, highlighting the government’s concern.
Collaboration for Improved Image and Communication
The commissioner affirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with professional organisations, including the NIPR, to champion responsible communication practices and enhance the public image of Kaduna. He noted that the upcoming NIPR conference presents a valuable opportunity for the state to showcase its rich cultural heritage, diverse investment opportunities, and other achievements to a wider, national and international audience.
Maiyaki further elaborated that Kaduna would actively participate in exhibitions at the conference, with a focus on highlighting its unique culture and significant investment potential, particularly within the mining sector and other emerging industries.
Since Governor Uba Sani’s administration took office in 2023, the state has reportedly attracted substantial investment inflows. Maiyaki conveyed that the government intends to sustain and strengthen its partnership with NIPR beyond the conference, particularly in areas related to promoting professionalism, ethical public relations practices, and effective communication strategies.
Shifting Perceptions on Security
Recalling the NIPR Week hosted in Kaduna earlier this year, the commissioner asserted that the event played a pivotal role in transforming perceptions regarding the security situation within the state. He acknowledged initial hesitations among some participants about travelling to Kaduna due to security concerns. However, their successful participation in the event served as a clear demonstration that the state is both open and accessible.
According to Maiyaki, this positive experience also contributed to discussions that ultimately led to an increase in air connectivity to Kaduna. He concluded by stating that the state government will continue to leverage such opportunities to project Kaduna in a positive light, actively working to prevent negative narratives from dominating public discourse.
NIPR's Commitment to Trust and Development
Earlier, Mohammed Abdullahi, Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of NIPR, explained that the road walk conducted was part of concerted efforts to inform residents about the forthcoming international conference scheduled for November in Abuja. He emphasised that public relations transcends a mere profession; it serves as a powerful instrument for fostering trust, promoting development, and connecting people.
Abdullahi expressed gratitude to the commissioner for receiving the NIPR delegation, reiterating the institute's commitment to continuous partnership with the state government in promoting effective communication and peaceful coexistence. He urged both the public and communication professionals to lend their support to initiatives aimed at building trust and ensuring the prevalence of accurate information over misinformation.