High expectations as Bature takes charge of Kano information ministry
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
On Friday, November 6, 2026, Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf was overwhelmed by emotion during the swearing-in of his official Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, as the new Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs. Governor Yusuf ‘s mood during that event was not unexpected considering the closeness between him and Bature, coupled with the trust and confidence he has invested in Bature, who has clearly demonstrated professionalism and absolute loyalty to the governor, during his days as the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House.
For Governor Yusuf, he would have preferred Bature stay put at Government House, but pressures from within and outside Kano state compelled the Governor to hand over the portfolio of the the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs to Bature, expressing full confidence that he will not only revolutionalise the ministry, but also bring to bear the needed professional touch to lighten up the ministry, being the habour of members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
Yusuf tasked Bature to, among other official engagements, fight drug abuse and the spate of cyber bullying and hate speech across the state.
The governor particularly urged Bature to strengthen public sensitisation against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, while promoting collaboration among relevant government agencies and stakeholders.
He further tasked Bature to deploy his experience towards improving public communication and sensitising residents on the dangers of drug abuse. The Governor directed Bature to work closely with the state’s Anti-drug Task Force Committee to strengthen its activities and improve public awareness campaigns.
He also called on the commissioner to collaborate with the committee in ensuring effective utilisation and improved services at the newly commissioned drug rehabilitation centre.
Yusuf further tasked him with strengthening and coordinating the state’s social media team to ensure professionalism, responsible communication and effective performance in disseminating government activities and policies.
He emphasised the need for close collaboration with ministries, departments and agencies to ensure timely and accurate communication of government programmes to the public.
Governor Yusuf said the selection of Bature was carefully undertaken on the basis of merit, competence and integrity, stressing that he is expected to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state. The Governor charged Bature to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the Ministry of Information by ensuring the timely, effective and strategic dissemination of government information to the general public. Indeed, Governor Yusuf’s expectations demonstrates that Bature’s elevation was not a political reward or routine cabinet reshuffling. Rather, the Governor explicitly linked the choice to competence, integrity, experience and the capacity to contribute to the development of Kano State.
However,, Governor Yusuf’s charge is also a reminder that the Information Ministry is more than a publicity office. In a modern democracy, it is one of the principal bridges between government and citizens, with the responsibility of translating policies into public understanding, providing accurate and timely information, correcting misinformation, facilitating access to government programmes and creating an environment in which citizens can engage meaningfully with the administration.
This responsibility is especially important in Kano, a state with a highly politically conscious population, a vibrant media environment and a long tradition of public debate. Government decisions are closely scrutinised, political narratives are vigorously contested and information travels rapidly through radio, television, newspapers, social media and countless informal communication channels. In such an environment, a government that does not communicate effectively risks allowing others to define its story for doom.
Media experts and veteran journalists have continued to commend Governor Yusuf for appointing Bature as the new Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, who was among media gurus and dignitaries that excorted Bature to the Ministry ot Information on Monday, November 9, 2026, where he officially assumed duty, praised Governo Yusif for appointing a professional as Commissioner for Information. He called on state governments across the country to prioritise the appointment of experienced and professional journalists as Commissioners of Information to ensure effective information management, enhance public enlightenment and strengthen government-media relations.
Comrade Yahya made the call in his goodwill message during the assumption of office ceremony of the newly appointed Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Bature. The NUJ President observed that professional journalists possess the requisite knowledge, practical experience and understanding of the media landscape to effectively manage government information, communicate policies and programmes, promote transparency and sustain constructive engagement between government and the media. He described the appointment as a commendable step that reflects the importance of professionalism in public information management and urged other state governments to emulate Kano State by considering qualified journalists for similar positions.
Comrade Yahya congratulated the new Commissioner and expressed confidence in his ability to bring his wealth of professional experience, media expertise and knowledge of public communication to bear on the responsibilities of the office. He further expressed optimism that the appointment would strengthen the relationship between the Kano State Government and the media, while promoting effective and timely dissemination of government policies, programmes, achievements and development initiatives.
Also, former Kano state Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture, Comrade Muhammad Garba, has congratulated Bature over his appointment as Kano state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Comrade Garba, two-time National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), commended Governor Yusuf for handing over the portfolio to Bature, describing the appointment as a move towards the right direction.
The veteran journalist cum media administrator hailed Bature on his successful swearing-in as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Kano state, describing his appointment as a well-deserved recognition of his professional experience, competence and longstanding contributions to public communication. Comrade Garba further commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, describing the decision as, “a thoughtful and commendable choice that reflects the importance the administration attaches to effective communication, public engagement and information management.”
He expressed confidence that Bature would bring his wealth of experience in journalism, public relations, strategic communication and media management to bear on the responsibilities of his new office. According to him, “the new Commissioner possesses an impressive academic background and extensive professional experience, including engagements with international development partners and donor agencies, which have equipped him with valuable skills for managing government communication and strengthening public understanding of government policies and programmes.”
Garba, particularly, noted Bature’s previous role as Director-General, Media and Publicity to the Governor, observing that, “his close working relationship with Governor Yusuf has given him a sound understanding of the administration’s vision, policy direction and development priorities.” He said: “The Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs occupies a strategic position in governance, requiring leadership that understands the media landscape, appreciates the value of transparency and public accountability, and can sustain constructive relationships with journalists, media organisations and other stakeholders.”
Garba expressed optimism that Bature’s appointment would provide an opportunity to strengthen the ministry’s institutional capacity, improve government-public relations and promote more effective communication of the administration’s policies, programmes and achievements. He urged the new Commissioner to approach the assignment with dedication, humility, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility, while ensuring that the ministry remains accessible to the media and responsive to the information needs of the people of Kano State.
The former Commissioner further encouraged Bature to promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and productive engagement between government and the media, stressing that, “credible information and effective communication are essential to building public trust and deepening democratic governance.” Garba concluded by wishing the new Commissioner a successful and impactful tenure, expressing confidence that his experience and commitment would contribute meaningfully to the development of Kano State.
Communication expert and Professor of Strategic Communication at Bayero University Kano (BUK), Prof. Sule Ya’u Sule has also congratulated Bature on his appointment, describing it as a significant milestone in his career. He noted that the new Commissioner was the first Director-General of Media to a sitting Governor in Kano State to subsequently emerge as Commissioner of Information.
Bature formally assumed office amid an impressive show of solidarity and goodwill, as a mammoth crowd of veteran journalists, media practitioners, communication professionals, politicians, friends, family members and well-wishers thronged the Ministry’s premises to witness the historic occasion and welcome him to his new assignment. Addressing the gathering, Bature pledged to ensure accurate, timely and effective dissemination of information to the public, stressing that the Ministry would strengthen its role in communicating government policies, programmes, projects and achievements to the people of Kano State.
The new Kano Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs solicited the support, cooperation and commitment of the Ministry’s management and staff, emphasising that achieving the Ministry’s mandate required teamwork, dedication, professionalism and a shared sense of responsibility. He assured staff of his commitment to prioritising their welfare, improving working conditions and creating an enabling environment that would enhance productivity and effective service delivery. He also expressed his readiness to operate an open-door policy, listen to genuine concerns and work collectively towards addressing challenges confronting the Ministry.
The Commissioner further pledged to strengthen partnerships with professional bodies, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and other relevant professional associations, to promote professionalism, ethical standards and excellence in journalism, public relations and strategic communication. He also promised to sustain cordial and productive relationships with media organisations, journalists, broadcasters and other media practitioners, noting that their cooperation was essential to effective public enlightenment and responsible information management.
Bature equally emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Government Information Officers and Public Relations Officers to ensure coordinated, consistent and effective dissemination of government policies and programmes across the state.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Tsoho Aliyu Rogo, congratulated the newly appointed Commissioner on his appointment and, on behalf of the management and entire staff, assured him of their readiness to give him the necessary support and cooperation to achieve the Ministry’s mandate.
In their separate remarks and goodwill messages, the Member representing Dawakin Tofa, Tofa and Rimin Gado Federal Constituency, Hon. Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe; Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Idris Garba Unguwar Rimi, Chairman, Dawakin Tofa Local Government, Hon. Anas Mukhtar Danmaliki, Special Adviser on Information, Ahmed S. Aruwa, and Alhaji Bashir Hayatu Jantile, commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for appointing Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa as Commissioner, describing the appointment as well-deserved and a recognition of his experience, competence and contributions to public communication.