The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in partnership with the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, has held a landmark Media Interactive Dialogue at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano.
The event, part of activities marking the NUJ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in the state, brought together veteran journalists, active practitioners, journalism educators, union leaders, media managers, senior civil servants, and other stakeholders to promote ethical journalism and modernise media practice in Kano and beyond.
In a statement, Sani Abba Yola, Director of Special Duties at the ministry, said the forum provided a platform for experienced journalists to share insights with the younger generation while addressing the profession’s contemporary challenges.
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Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a journalist-friendly environment. He commended the NUJ for hosting the NEC meeting in Kano and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at effective public information dissemination.
Waiya also highlighted the government’s efforts to clear pension arrears of retired journalists, invest in media infrastructure, build human capital, and address security challenges. He described the dialogue as timely in reinforcing professional ethics.
NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, said the interaction honoured the sacrifices of veteran journalists and underscored their role as society’s watchdogs. He stressed the importance of the proposed Media Enhancement Bill, which seeks to improve journalists’ welfare through measures such as insurance coverage.
Former NUJ National President, Comrade Sani Zoro, lauded the Kano State council’s national influence, while veteran media figures including Alhaji Baba Halilu Dantiye, Professor Umar Faruk Ibrahim, Alhaji Muhammad Danyaro, Alhaji Ahmed Aminu, Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, and Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmad Kwakwatawa, urged younger journalists to uphold professional ethics.
Key resolutions from the dialogue included holding quarterly media engagements, fostering mentorship via digital platforms, providing facilities for retired journalists, ensuring trained presenters in broadcast media, recognising journalists with high ethical standards, prioritising socially relevant content, and supporting strong private TV stations to enhance Kano’s national presence.
The meeting also approved the creation of the League of Veteran Journalists of Kano, an advisory and mentorship body to preserve journalism standards in the state. A nine-member committee was inaugurated to design its structure and operational framework, including Baba Halilu Dantiye, Ahmed Aminu, Mohammed Danyaro, Abdulkadir Kwakwatawa, Prof. Umar Faruk Jibril, Assoc. Prof. Sule Ya’u Sule, Dr. Saminu Umar Rijiyar Zaki, Mustapha Gambo Muhammed, and Hauwa Sulaiman Zaharaddeen.
The event ended with a renewed pledge from all stakeholders to work towards a vibrant, responsible, and respected journalism profession in Kano and across Nigeria.
