The Permanent Secretary, Zamfara State Ministry of Information and Culture, Muhammad Salihu Anka, has said that equipping staff with digital transformation skills to effectively package and disseminate information for public consumption remains one of the Ministry’s top priorities.

He stated this during a two-day training on Strategic Communication and Documentary Production on Project Achievements and Impact.

The workshop was organised by the Zamfara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project as part of its efforts to strengthen the capacity of media practitioners and information officers to effectively communicate the State’s investment opportunities, particularly in agriculture, livestock development and solid mineral resources, with the aim of attracting local and international investors to Zamfara State.

Represented by the Acting Director, Information Services, Idris Mainasara, the Permanent Secretary said the training would enhance the knowledge and skills of participants in strategic communication, digital storytelling and documentary production, enabling them to effectively showcase government projects, achievements and their impact on the lives of the people.

He noted that effective communication remains essential to promoting transparency, increasing public awareness and projecting the positive image of the Zamfara State Government.

The Permanent Secretary assured journalists and information officers of the commitment of the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Hon. Mahmud Muhammad Dantawasa, of maintaining a cordial working relationship with media professionals in promoting accurate, balanced and responsible journalism.

According to him, “training information officers and media practitioners is part of our mandate to strengthen professionalism, uphold ethical standards and ensure compliance with the laws guiding journalism practice.”

Muhammad Salihu Anka commended the Zamfara L-PRES Project for its significant contributions to the economic development of the State through various livelihood programmes, including goat rearing, modern poultry production, women’s empowerment initiatives and the provision of critical social infrastructure.

He added that the achievements of the L-PRES Project complement the development agenda of the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal, particularly in revitalising agriculture under the slogan, “Farming is Our Pride”

The Permanent Secretary noted that the state government’s distribution of free fertilisers, improved seedlings and other agricultural inputs to thousands of farmers has boosted food production, improved livelihoods and encouraged sustainable economic growth across Zamfara State.

He urged participants to make the most of the training by applying the knowledge acquired to promote the state’s vast economic potential and communicate government achievements effectively for the benefit of citizens and prospective investors.

Earlier, the Zamfara State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Nasir Muhammad, said the training was organised to strengthen collaboration with media organisations and enhance public awareness of the project’s key activities across the state.

Muhammad explained that the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project is a World Bank-supported intervention implemented by the Federal Government in partnership with the Zamfara State Government to improve livestock productivity, strengthen resilience, and support conflict prevention and mitigation in livestock-producing communities.

Nasir Muhammad commended the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal for its commitment to the successful implementation of the L-PRES Project, noting that the initiative has significantly improved the livelihoods of many residents, particularly women engaged in poultry farming as well as goat and sheep rearing.