By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Katsina State Government has lauded the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ for its enduring role in shaping national progress and reaffirmed its dedication to promoting professionalism in journalism. The commendation came during the NUJ’s 70th anniversary celebration held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Hayatt Regency Suite Conference Hall in Katsina.
Representing Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda, Ph.D., the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, described journalism as a vital pillar of democracy and governance. He hailed the NUJ for its unwavering stance on press freedom, transparency, and civic education over the last 70 years.
“This anniversary is more than a celebration—it’s a time to reflect,” Dr. Zango noted. “It’s an opportunity to assess journalism’s journey, especially in today’s digital age, where unregulated social media is blurring the lines of credible reporting.”
He raised concerns about the increasing number of untrained individuals parading as journalists, stressing that journalism is a profession that demands proper training, discipline, and ethical conduct. He reaffirmed that the Katsina State Government remains committed to providing capacity-building opportunities for media professionals through training initiatives.
Dr. Zango assured the NUJ of the government’s willingness to partner closely with the union to nurture a vibrant and globally respected media landscape that supports development goals at both state and national levels.
In his remarks, Chairman of the NUJ Katsina State Council, Comrade Tukur Hassan Dan-Ali, highlighted the indispensable role of journalists in fostering peace, security, and unity. He advocated for deeper collaboration between the media and government to advance Katsina’s development priorities.
The event also featured a keynote lecture titled “NUJ at 70: A Historical Review” delivered by Dr. Sama’ila Balarabe from Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic. Dr. Balarabe outlined the NUJ’s transformation through five major periods—from its anti-colonial inception in the 1950s, through military-era suppression, to the ongoing digital revolution facing the modern-day press.
He commended the union for its advocacy in securing the Freedom of Information Act and for helping transition Nigerian journalism from analogue to digital. Dr. Balarabe urged journalists to remain committed to ethical standards and to counter the growing threat of misinformation and declining public trust.
The NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya, represented by the Northwest Zonal Secretary, Bello Kaura, reflected on the union’s achievements in exposing corruption, defending public interest, and promoting national unity.
A special recognition was also given to veteran broadcaster and traditional leader, UK Bello Kankara (Hakimin Ketare), hailed as a pioneer of the NUJ in Katsina. Kankara, a respected former customs spokesperson, applauded recent renovations to the union’s facilities and expressed gratitude for the national award soon to be conferred on him by the NUJ headquarters in Abuja.
Dignitaries, senior media figures, and government officials graced the commemorative event, which served as both a celebration of legacy and a renewed call for ethical, development-driven journalism in Nigeria.
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