Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku has facilitated with media practitioners as the "fourth estate of the realm" observe the World Press Freedom Day. The governor noted that the media must continue to play fence mending roles in a fractured society. Stressing the pivotal place of the media, the governor said it must seek to protect the nation's democracy from dictatorial tendencies. He further enjoined the press to insist on professionalism to deepen its integrity as the last hope of the common man.

In a statement signed by Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Emmanuel Bello, Governor Ishaku said he would continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the media at the state level and around the country. He noted that there was never a time like now for the media to remain courageous, dispassionate and above board.

He said, "I believe the media is the last hope of the common man even above the courts. Sometimes, it is the press that would defend a man whose rights can't even be protected by the authorities because of the nuances of litigations. That is why I have the utmost respect for the media. Apart from that, democracy is at its best with a free press. I can assure practitioners that those of us of likeminds in positions of responsibility would continue to support press freedom.  But tied to that is the issue of a reporter's welfare and security. In my state, I've ensured this is the case. I recently met with the NUJ to find ways we can continue to enhance professionalism and greater synergy."

The governor condoned with media on the loss of some of their colleagues, especially the recent demise of media aide to Governor Waziri Tamvuwal, late Imam Imam who is from Taraba state. He described it as a blow to the media community and the state particularly.

On his effort in the media, he said he embarked on the digitisation of the media infrastructures of the state to bring it up to speed with global best practices. "Our television has been revolutionized with better quality and even reach as we embarked on digitisation. We have done the television and we shall soon do same for radio. We had to roll away close to two decades of obsolete analogue equipment that was there before I came in. I have promised the NUJ to also give them a befitting secretariat. I'm looking into those demands already."