From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In a glittering ceremony, four prominent individuals were honored with the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Chapel Awards of Excellence.
The recipients, recognized for their visionary leadership and exemplary service, are Kaduna Polytechnic Rector, Dr. Sulaiman Umar; Executive Chairman of Zaria Local Government Area, Engineer Jamilu Jaga; Registrar National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), Professor Yahuza Imam; and Board Secretary and Executive Director Legal Services, Kaduna Inland Revenue Service (KADIRS), Aysha Ahmed.
The awards ceremony, held at FRCN, Kaduna, was attended by community and traditional heads, as well as directors of various media organizations. Chairman NUJ, FRCN Chapel, Comrade Umar Adamu Sarkin-Fada, revealed that the recipients were carefully chosen through a rigorous vetting process for their outstanding contributions to society.
Sarkin-Fada emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding public officials who excel in their duties, saying it would inspire others to emulate their commitment to serving the people.
The Chapel Chairman maintained that Kadpoly Rector was recognised for his outstanding administrative service and contributions to the institution’s growth, and Corporate Social Responsibility to neighboring communities
Zonal Director FRCN, Lawal Ali Garba, stressed the need for public officials to discharge their duties with patriotism and a sense of responsibility, while General Manager, FRCN, Kaduna Station, Abdurrahman Nuhu Bayero Dan Iyan Zazzau, highlighted the media’s role as a watchdog of society.
The awardees expressed their gratitude for the recognition and pledged to redouble their efforts towards a more prosperous society. Aysha Ahmed, who emerged as NUJ, FRCN Philanthropist of the Year, reiterated her commitment to touching lives positively in line with Governor Uba Sani’s SUSTAIN Agenda.
In his acceptance speech, the Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic expressed his profound feelings for identifying him and recognizing his silent achievements, and promised to do more in the development of education.
The Rector said Polytechnic staff and students will find the award worthy of doing more, while he urged the organizers to continue with such programs. The Rector However said the doors of Kadpoly are open for journalists to come and assess his works and inform the people.
The Rector’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, such as the modernization of Unguwar Sanusi Healthcare Center and employment of new staff, were highlighted as notable achievements for the award.
The event culminated in the presentation of plaques to the recipients, accompanied by citations.