COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MONTHLY CONGRESS OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) KADUNA STATE COUNCIL ON 30TH JUNE, 2025.
PREAMBLE:
The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held its monthly congress meeting on Monday, 30th June, 2025, at the Council Secretariat in Kaduna. The well-attended meeting drew nearly 100 members, underscoring the continued unity and vibrancy of the Council.
Presiding over the session was the Council Chairman, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe, who warmly welcomed members and appreciated their steadfast commitment to the ideals of the Union. The meeting also had in attendance notable figures, including former Chairmen of the Council, a former National Trustee, the Zonal Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), and respected Council elders.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman briefed the Congress on key issues discussed at the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NUJ, which was held in Abuja. He also highlighted the significance of the Union’s 70th anniversary celebrations, emphasizing the milestones NUJ has achieved over the decades in championing press freedom and the welfare of journalists.
The Congress thereafter deliberated on matters affecting the profession and the Council, resolved on several important issues, and reaffirmed its dedication to upholding ethical journalism and promoting the collective interest of members.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. The Council expressed delight over the improved working relationship between Kaduna State Government and the Media in the state, urging the momentum to be sustained for the development of democracy and good governance.
2. Council congratulated Governor Uba Sani on the recent conferment of national honour of Commander of the Order the Niger (CON) on him, a former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Dangiwa Umar (rtd), also known as 'Soldier of Democracy', as well as Senator Shehu Sani.
3. Council also congratulated the State Government on the successful hosting of President Bola Tinubu on a state visit to Kaduna in June, where he commissioned developmental projects to mark Governor Sani's two years in office. Chief among them: the 300-bed Specialist Hospital at Millennium City; three Skills Acquisition Technology Centres at Rigachikun (Igabi), Samaru Kataf (Zango Kataf) and Soba Local Government Areas of the state, CNG Vehicles and some roads projects.
4. Further more, while Council commended the state government for successful commissioning of completed multiple road projects across the State, Council called for the speedy completion of some on-going road projects such as the road connecting Kabala Costain - Nuhu Aliyu Road, Barnawa; Television Garrage - Sabon Tasha; Sabon Tasha - Ung Gimbiya - to Juji Road; Kakuri - Nasarawa Road and Kabala West - Hayin Nariya Road, among others.
5. The Council commended the Northern Governors Forum for their efforts towards facilitating a successful payment of severance allowances to the staff of the New Nigerian Newspapers Limited (NNN), currently on-going.
6. On insecurity, Council called on the state government to sustain the recently inaugurated Taskforce to rid the state of urban crimes and some flashpoints across the state.
7. Council called on Kaduna State Government to revisit the Almajiri School/Tsangaiya education policy of previous government towards addressing the menace of out of school children and street begging menace. Council identified poverty, lack of access to education, and social exclusion as key drivers of these problems; it urged the government to implement policies and programmes that provide alternative sources of livelihood for vulnerable populations, increase access to education and strengthen social safety nets.
RESOLUTIONS
1. *Check -Off Dues:* The Council encouraged members to make prompt and consistent payment of Professional fees and Check-Off Dues to aid the running of the Union affairs at the Chapel, State, and National levels.
2. *IIJ Programme:* The Council informed members that National Secretariat has intensified efforts for the accreditation of International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) programme by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and and official affiliation with University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID).
3. *Constitution of Committees:*
i. *Ethics and Disciplinary Committee* constituted to ensure members observe/comply with disciplinary measures for a disciplined and respectful union. The Committee has;
1. Adamu Yusuf Alhaji- Chairman
2. Hussaina Mohammed Yakubu -Member
3. John Shiklam -Secretary
ii. *Press Centre Management Committee*
constituted to oversee and manage the Council Secretariat and property. The Committee has;
1. Chief Olu Ajayi - Chairman
2. Mohammed Wada -Member
3. Mayen Etim-Secretary
iii. *Credentials Committee*
Constituted to conduct bye-election for the vacant position of Council Treasurer . The Committee has;
1. Ali Mohammed Sabiu - Chairman
2. Jamila Yusuf -Member
3. Amos Mathew -Secretary
iv. Expanded Welfare Committee:* to cater for better welfare of members.
Signed:
Communique Drafting Committee:
Usman Sani - *Chairman*
Lola Seriki - Idahosa - Member
Ango Bally - *Secretary*
E - Signed:
Gambo Santos Sanga (Kakakin Ninzo)
*Secretary,*
NUJ, Kaduna State Council.
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