NUJ at 70: A Tribute to Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel

By: Lamara Garba Azare

Seven decades of unity and brotherhood, A bond that’s strong, a tie that’s good. Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel, a radiant beacon, A shining example, in the dark of night’s uncertainty.

With hearts united, they stand as one, Supporting each other, under the warm sun. Their selfless spirit, a wonder to behold, An attestation to the bonds of unity and brotherhood that set them free.

In admiration, we salute their noble stride, A group of journalists, side by side. Their camaraderie, a guiding light, That shines so bright, on this celebratory night.

We honor the trailblazers, the legends of old, Starting with veteran Halilu Ahmed Getso, Late Hassan Safiyanu Gumel, Salisu Alhassan Bichi and late Murtala Maikaba, honourable Minister Labaran Maku, Bisi Adekunle as well as, Shola Lawal of the defunct Concord newspaper, a special recognition of two former National Presidents of our great Union Malam Sani Zorro whose tenure was adventurous and tantalising, then Muhammad Garba, the man who reechoed the real meaning of the forth estate of the realm for his bold and activism . I’m quick to recognise late Abdullahi Yakubu of New Nigerian and Leadership newspaper.

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, with a heart full of compassion. Edwin Olofu, a master of words, with a spirit adventurous,
Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, a shining star, with a story to be told.

Yakubu Musa, a legend in his own right, With a heart full of empathy, and a spirit that shines bright. Suwaid bin Isa, the bold, Ja’afar Ja’afar, a trailblazer, with a spirit daring and bold, Sani Umar, a voice for the voiceless, with a heart that’s kind and gentle. The Chapel that produces Mohammed Ya’u of the famous RDF fame formerly of the Sokoto’s the Path newspaper.

Sani Malumfashi, a champion of justice, with a spirit resolute and strong, Nathaniel Ikyur, a pen warrior, with a heart full of joy. Babajide Otitoujo, a weaver of words, with a spirit imaginative and bright, Gali Sadiq, a radio legend, with a voice that’s smooth and melodious.

Ado Saleh Kankia, a BBC Hausa journalist, with a story to share, Amina Waziri, a BBC English service journalist, with a spirit that’s confident and bold. Ibrahim Mohammed, a radio guru, with a heart that’s wise and kind, Haruna Aliyu Hadejia, a radio trailblazer, with a spirit that’s pioneering and free.

Jinge Micheal of the Benue voice and his counterpart Thompson Charlie writing for the Plateau’s Nigeria Standards and ustaz MS Abdullahi then late Bashir Umar of the Sun newspaper as well as his predecessor Desmond Mgboh and the Tina Anthony, so also FRCN’s Abubakar Abdurahman, Aliyu Yahaya and now Professor Samaila Shehu then Abubakar Sadiq of Gaskiya Ta FI Kwano
and the Kakaki of Almizan. Osibademen Isibor, a journalist with a heart of gold, Osa Director, a champion of justice, with a heart that’s kind and true. Suleiman Anyewulechi, the kingmaker himself, with a spirit that never grows old,
Akinola Alli, a leader, with a heart that’s kind and wise.

Umar Yari, a pen warrior, with a heart full of cheer, Late Umar Sa’idu Tudun Wada, a radio legend, with a voice that’s smooth and sweet. Aliyu Abubakar Askira, a leader, with a heart that’s kind and wise,Ibrahim, the vital link, with a spirit that’s strong and free.

We remember the tiny Jakuskus, whose reign was so enviable, Late Bello Fagge, A yau, and Abuja mirror, with hearts that are kind and true. Late Na baker, Musa uban Sumayya da Khalid, with spirits that are strong and free,
Adamu Joshua Marshall, a journalist with a heart of gold.

Babangida Funtua, a money keeper, with a heart that’s kind and wise, Musa Umar Kazaure, a journalist, with a spirit that’s strong and free. Dr. Habibi AT Yaqoob, a journalist, with a heart of gold, Auwaliye bn Umar, a journalist, with a spirit that’s fierce and bold.

Ubale Musa, a journalist, with a heart that’s kind and true,
Patience Musa, a journalist, with a spirit that’s strong and free. Umar Suleiman, a sports guru, with a heart that’s kind and wise, Bassey Inyang, a journalist, with a spirit that’s fierce and bold.

Ricardo Chidi Obi, a journalist, with a heart of gold,
John Alechenu, a journalist, with a spirit that’s strong and free. Late Augustine Maduwest, a journalist, with a heart that’s kind and true, Cosmos Etaiyi Elaigwu, a journalist, with a spirit that’s fierce and bold. Also on the list are the quite Mystapha Gide and Bala Abdullahi all of New Nigerian Newspapers and Late ace photographer Zubairu Shaba and twin brother Kabiru Funtua of Democrat newspaper

Kayode Olaitan, a journalist, with a heart of gold, Abdullahi Malam, a journalist with a spirit that’s fierce not forgetting Mustapha Gide as well as the silent John Akubo among others

These individuals, along with many others have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to the well-being of their colleagues. We are grateful for their selflessness and dedication to the Chapel.

As we celebrate the Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel, we fondly remember the Late Umar Sa’idu Tudun Wada, Umar Suleiman, Mike Oboh, Sani Abdullahi, Bello Fagge, Musa Baker, Jinge Micheal, Cosmos Elaigwu, Richardo Chidi Obi, who we shall always be cherished for their contributions to the Chapel.

We pray that Allah blessed this wonderful Chapel, affectionately known as “Galadima Bombers” . We appreciate you all and those whose names did not appear in this tribute.

Lamara Garba Azare, a former Chairman of the Chapel