24/07/2026
BBC to Train Kebbi Journalists, Launch Radio Education Programme for Out-of-School Children
LAGOS — The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has announced plans to provide specialized training for journalists from Kebbi State while unveiling a free radio education programme aimed at reaching out-of-school children across Northern Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Head of BBC News in Nigeria and BBC West Africa Regional Director/Bureau Chief, Ehizojie Okharedia, during a courtesy visit by a Kebbi State Government delegation led by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, at the BBC office in Lagos.
Okharedia said the training programme is designed to strengthen journalists' professional capacity in ethical journalism, election reporting, communication for development, and fact-checking. He noted that the initiative is part of the BBC's efforts to promote responsible journalism and improve reporting standards ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.
According to him, the programme will also include journalists from neighbouring countries such as Niger and Chad, with Kebbi State assured of participation slots. He added that the exact number of beneficiaries from the state would be communicated later.
The BBC official said participants would receive practical training on balanced and impartial reporting, verification of information, identifying credible election sources, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to professional ethics during election coverage.
Okharedia described governments and political leaders as partners in development, stressing that the BBC's journalism seeks to encourage accountability and good governance through constructive engagement.
He also disclosed that the BBC will soon launch a Hausa-language radio education programme for out-of-school children across Northern Nigeria. The initiative will deliver lessons in English, Mathematics, Agriculture, and other subjects through partner radio and television stations at no cost to learners.
The programme, he said, is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and other government agencies and will be officially launched in Abuja, with Vice President Kashim Shettima expected to attend.
Okharedia said Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris would receive a formal invitation to the launch, reaffirming the BBC's commitment to partnering with the state on media development, education, and governance initiatives.
He also praised the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as one of Kebbi State's most significant cultural assets, describing it as a major contributor to tourism and cultural heritage.
Commending Governor Idris' leadership, Okharedia described him as a humble and responsive leader committed to the state's development.
Responding, Commissioner Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi welcomed the BBC's decision to include Kebbi journalists in the training programme and applauded the planned educational radio initiative for out-of-school children.
He described both programmes as timely interventions that would strengthen journalism practice and expand access to quality education across Northern Nigeria.
The commissioner assured the BBC that the Kebbi State Government would maximize the opportunities provided through the initiatives for the benefit of residents.
He also highlighted the achievements of Governor Idris' administration in education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and security, while reaffirming the government's commitment to transparency and collaboration with credible media organizations.
Birnin Kebbi further condemned the spread of misinformation against the state government, citing reports of an alleged new terrorist group and claims of daily infant deaths as examples of false narratives that had been disproved by security agencies and relevant authorities.
The delegation included the Governor's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, 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 Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris.
