The Katsina State Government on Saturday equipped its media aides and communication officers with training in artificial intelligence and social media management, recognising that digital platforms now move faster than traditional outlets.
The one-day workshop, organised by the Directorate of Media and Communication at Government House, brought together dozens of media handlers under the theme "Harnessing Social Media and AI for Effective Policy Implementation and Strategic Communication." Optimal Image Media Limited provided the training.
Maiwada Dammallam, the Director-General of Media, opened the session by explaining why the training had become essential. "We live in a world driven by communication, and Artificial Intelligence has become an indispensable global tool in strategic communication," he said. He warned the participants that they could not do their jobs effectively without mastering the digital tools required of modern image makers and social media influencers.
Dammallam credited Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for pushing the initiative. "It is the recognition of the importance of social media and the global trend in adopting artificial intelligence that prompted this initiative under the visionary leadership of Governor Radda," he said.
Shuaibu Mungadi, chairman of Optimal Image Media Limited, told participants that their role went beyond boosting the governor's image. "You are all engaged here to improve the image of the governor and the government. In doing that, you must properly inform and educate the public with skills, fairness and responsibility," Mungadi said. He stressed that media aides could only communicate government policies effectively if they understood how to use modern communication tools properly.
Mungadi explained that the workshop was Katsina's response to a global shift toward AI adoption in governance and communication. He expressed confidence that participants would leave with practical skills to do their jobs better.
The training marks the state's effort to align its communication strategy with digital-age demands, preparing its media team to reach citizens through channels they now prefer over traditional radio and television broadcasts.
