Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has congratulated the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary.
The governor acknowledged the NUJ’s vital role in strengthening democracy and promoting accountability in governance.
This is contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa in Kano, yesterday.
The governor lauded the NUJ for its unwavering commitment to ethical journalism and nation building.
He commended the union’s leadership, led by Mr Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, for advancing press freedom and advocating for journalists’ welfare.
“The NUJ has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s narrative, promoting democracy and ensuring accountability in governance.
”The Kano state government recognises the critical role of the media in our democracy and will continue to support and collaborate with the NUJ to uphold a free and independent press,” he stated.
Yusuf urged journalists to continue to uphold professionalism, integrity and objectivity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a strong partnership with the union, while ensuring that the media remained a pillar of democracy in the state and the country at large.
“Once again, congratulations to the NUJ on this remarkable achievement. May the next 70 years bring even greater successes and accomplishments for the union and its members,” he stated.

The Village Head of Ngo in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, King Dogood Ngere, has commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his peaceful disposition and leadership qualities in the State.
King Ngere has also appealed to the governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to resolve their differences and work together for the interest of peace and development of the State.
The monarch stressed the need for the two leaders to put Rivers State interest above personal interest and reconcile their differences.
He said Fubara’s decision to implement the Supreme Court judgement shows that he is a man of peace and appealed to the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Rt Martin Amaewhule to work with the Executive to move the State forward.
The traditional ruler stated this shortly after he installed three chiefs at his palace in Ngo Town.
The three chiefs are Chief Daniel Dimkpa Nelson of Ebirien Ngere family, Chief John Biboh John of Ngor Egbesi family, and Awajimotumu Ukot Idawaji as chief of Ida Awaji family.
Addressing the new chiefs after their installation, King Ngere charged them to see themselves as role models for their individual families, stressing that as chiefs, it behoves them to be exemplary in their conducts.
According to the traditional ruler, the new chiefs must not only work for the peace of their families but Ngo community in general.
King Ngere also advised members of the three families to give their chiefs the desired respect while also supporting them to succeed.
He commended Governor Fubara for his numerous developmental projects in Andoni, particularly the ongoing Ngo/Oyorokoto Road, saying that when completed, the road will open up economic opportunities in the area.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Secretary of the Egweoke Council of Chiefs, Chief Awajiokan Mbosowo Ukumor, described the installation ceremony as a big success.
He said the three chiefs fulfilled all the conditions for their installation and are therefore admitted as members of the Ngo Council of Chiefs.
The ceremony was attended by people from various walks of life.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has emerged winner of the Independent Awards 2024 for Best Woman of the Year, dedicating the award to Nigerian women and the youth.
She praised their tireless contributions towards the nation’s growth and development at the Independent Awards 2024 Gala Night held, last Saturday in Lagos.
Mrs Tinubu, a former Lagos Central senator, was represented by Hajia Fatima Tajudeen, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives
She said the award was dedicated to every Nigerian woman and youth contributing to the country’s progress, describing them as Nigeria’s unsung heroes.
TheTide’s source reports that the Independent Newspaper Awards recognise landmark achievements in politics, entertainment, business, education, and other sectors.
Tinubu thanked the board of Independent Newspaper for the honour. “I receive this prestigious award with deep appreciation,” she said during her acceptance speech.
“This award will inspire me further to contribute my quota to national development,” she added, expressing her gratitude to the event organisers.
Meanwhile, Chief Olabode George, PDP leader in the South-West, urged President Bola Tinubu to resolve the ongoing crisis in Rivers State before it escalates.
George, the event’s chairman, said the state was vital to Nigeria’s economy and should not be allowed to descend into chaos or unrest.
He warned that allowing the crisis to worsen could lead to national instability, referencing past civil unrest from Maiduguri to Port Harcourt.
George praised the Independent Newspaper for celebrating Nigeria’s achievers.
“Everyone is leaving here with a smile, which we want the government to bring to Nigerians.
“Who is truly happy now in Nigeria?” he asked, noting the mid-term mark approaches in May 2025 and calling for visible changes by 2027.
“My party is preparing to take over in 2027. The question for voters is: Are you better off now than before?” George said.
The Tide’s source reports that 36 individuals, organisations, government CEOs, and managing directors were honoured for their contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Awardees include Gov. Seyi Makinde as Independent Man of the Year, and Chief Bisi Akande, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.
Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra was awarded Governor of the Year 2024 (Urban Renewal), while Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River won for Economic Transformation.
Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State received the Governor of the Year 2024 (Solid Minerals Development), alongside Gov. Hope Uzodinma, among others.
In entertainment, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, known as Kiekie, was awarded Social Media Influencer of the Year for her impact in the industry.
In business, Otunba Mike Adenuga, Chairman of Globacom, was recognised. Others awarded include Charles Odi, DG of SMEDAN, and Prof Abayomi Fasina of FUOYE.