The Zamfara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic communication through digital skills development as part of efforts to improve public information management and attract investment into the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the Zamfara State Ministry of Information and Culture, Muhammad Salihu Anka, disclosed this during a two-day training on Strategic Communication and Documentary Production on Project Achievements and Impact, organised by the Zamfara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

Represented by the Acting Director of Information Services, Idris Mainasara, Anka said the ministry was prioritising digital transformation to equip information officers and media practitioners with the skills needed to effectively communicate government policies, programmes and development initiatives.

According to him, strategic communication has become an essential tool for promoting transparency, enhancing public trust and showcasing Zamfara’s economic potential to local and international investors.

He noted that the training would provide participants with practical knowledge in digital storytelling, content creation and documentary production, enabling them to present compelling narratives on government achievements and investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, livestock development and solid minerals.

“The ability to communicate effectively in the digital age is critical to projecting the state’s image and attracting investment. Building the capacity of information officers and journalists is therefore a priority for the government,” he said.

Anka also reaffirmed the commitment of the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Muhammad Dantawasa, to fostering a productive relationship with journalists and promoting ethical, balanced and responsible journalism across Zamfara State.

He commended the Zamfara L-PRES Project for supporting economic development through initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, including livestock production, women’s empowerment and the provision of essential infrastructure to rural communities.

The Permanent Secretary added that the project’s interventions align with Governor Dauda Lawal’s agricultural development agenda, which focuses on increasing food production through the distribution of fertilisers, improved seedlings and other agricultural inputs to farmers.

Earlier, the Zamfara State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Nasir Muhammad, said the training was organised to strengthen collaboration between the project and the media while improving public awareness of its programmes and achievements.

He explained that the World Bank-supported L-PRES initiative, implemented in partnership with the Federal Government and the Zamfara State Government, is designed to improve livestock productivity, enhance resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods in livestock-producing communities.