Oluwatosin Enesi
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and the professional development of journalists in the state.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Waiya, at the inauguration of the newly elected executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel, Kano chapter, the governor emphasized the vital role of the media in promoting democratic values and good governance.
“The media are not just conveyors of information,” he said. “They are defenders of truth, guardians of public interest, and essential partners in nation-building. The integrity of the press must never be compromised.”
Governor Yusuf urged journalists to uphold ethical standards in their work, especially in an era plagued by misinformation and fake news. He reminded practitioners that the world often sees Kano through their reportage, making it imperative that accuracy, fairness, and objectivity remain their guiding principles.
“No society can thrive without an informed citizenry, and it is journalists who play the crucial role of informing, educating, and enlightening the people,” he added.
The governor also announced plans by the state government to unveil a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening journalism in Kano. These, he said, would include capacity-building programmes and support for media development across the state.
“I assure you that very soon, the Ministry will roll out transformative projects to support working journalists and elevate the standard of journalism in Kano,” he said.
The governor congratulated the new executive council of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, describing their election as a vote of confidence by their peers. He also commended the outgoing leadership for its dedicated service and commitment to the profession.
In his inaugural address, the newly elected Chairman, Murtala Adewale, pledged to run an inclusive administration focused on integrity, unity, and professional growth.
“We will prioritize capacity-building through partnerships with institutions such as NITDA, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Daily Trust Foundation,” Adewale said. “Plans are also underway to modernize the Chapel’s secretariat with internet access, a functional newsroom, and sustainable revenue streams, including media summits, journalism awards, and sponsorships, all while preserving editorial independence.”
Other members of the newly elected executive include Yusuf Bala (Vice Chairman, VON), Salim Umar Ibrahim (Secretary), Salihu Ali (Assistant Secretary, VON), Bashir Bello (Treasurer, Vanguard), Ramatu Garba (Financial Secretary, NAN), and Longtong Yakubu (Auditor, Leadership Newspapers).
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