The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, has commended the NUJ Kano State Council for its innovations, inclusive leadership, and sustained programmes that promote unity and professional growth among members.
Comrade Yahaya gave the commendation during the dinner and award night marking the closing ceremony of the 2025 NUJ Press Week, organised by the Kano State Council and held on Saturday at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano. He described the Kano Council as one of the councils he is “always proud of,” applauding its leadership at all levels for commitment, teamwork, and consistency.
The NUJ President also expressed appreciation to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his passion and significant investment in the journalism profession, noting that the governor’s support has contributed to strengthening media practice in the state.
Urging journalists to uphold professionalism and responsibility ahead of 2026, Comrade Yahaya called on media practitioners to act as worthy ambassadors of the profession by setting the right agenda and safeguarding the image of journalism in Nigeria.
He further disclosed that the NUJ national leadership is pursuing several innovations, including improved remuneration for journalists working in federal media organisations. According to him, discussions are ongoing with the Minister of Information, with the expectation that once implemented at the federal level, the union would advocate for similar adoption across the 36 states.
Comrade Yahaya also announced plans to introduce a health insurance scheme for journalists, aimed at reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, lowering maternal mortality, and supporting the attainment of universal health coverage.
In his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, reaffirmed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to the welfare and professional development of journalists. He highlighted key reforms introduced by the ministry, including capacity-building programmes, the development of a state media information policy, the inclusion of online media practitioners, and the establishment of a veterans’ league to support retired journalists while mentoring younger professionals.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, expressed gratitude to the Kano State Government, the NUJ national leadership, and the Kano State NUJ Council for their roles in the formation and official recognition of the new chapel.
Dangambo assured the NUJ National President that members of the chapel would continue to uphold the ethics of journalism and protect the integrity of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.