NUJ presents award to SSG, Kashifu, Babandede, veteran journalist, others

By Muhd D Haidar

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, has presented an award to some selected distinguished personalities and members of the Union in recognition of their contributions to the union and their support for the development of journalism in the state.

Hotpen reports that, the award ceremony, which was the grand finale of the maiden Press Week of the Jigawa NUJ, was held on Thursday October 22nd 2026 at the NUJ Press Centre in Dutse.

Among the recipients were Malam Bala Ibrahim, Secretary to the Jigawa State Government; Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); and Alhaji Muhammad Babandede, former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Other honorees included Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo, Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board; Engineer Surajo Sabo Babura; Malam Hamidu Muhammad Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to the Jigawa State Governor; and Alhaji Ali Aminu Falaki, the Station Manager, Freedom Radio, Dutse.

In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State, Malam Bala Ibrahim, commended Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the National President of the NUJ, for approving the prestigious award. He assured the NUJ of the Jigawa State government’s continued collaboration, describing journalism as a critical profession for promoting peace and sustaining democracy globally.

Malam Bala Ibrahim also praised the current leadership of the NUJ Jigawa State Council for revitalizing the Union in the State and urged them to continue initiating activities that promote the welfare of journalists.

The Director General, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, thanked the NUJ for the honor and pledged his agency’s ongoing support to journalists in discharging their responsibilities.

Speaking on behalf of the Union’s Veterans, Alhaji Sabo Abdullahi Guri, congratulated the NUJ Jigawa State Council for organizing the event, the first of its kind in the state’s NUJ history. He encouraged the leadership to work diligently and sustain the momentum.

On his part, the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, commended Comrade Isma’il Ibrahim Dutse, Chairman of the Jigawa State Council, for his leadership and efforts to reposition the union. He noted that the council had undergone a remarkable transformation under Ibrahim’s leadership, restoring its dignity and enhancing its public image.

Comrade Alhassan stated that before Isma’il Dutse assumed leadership, the Jigawa State Council was largely inactive but has since regained its strength and become more vibrant, with members demonstrating renewed commitment to journalism. He added that Jigawa has moved to the forefront of the union’s activities and assured the state council of the national leadership’s readiness to provide necessary support to meet its needs and uphold the dignity of the journalism profession.

The event was attended by Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, National President of the NUJ; Alhaji Tukur Muhammad, Vice President representing Zone A; and Malam Abdulrazak Bello Naira, the zone’s Secretary.

Also in attendance was Comrade Suleiman Dederi, Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council, accompanied by Malam Aminu Garba Dandagoro, Chairman NUJ Jigawa State Council. They joined other union leaders in supporting the Jigawa State Council during the landmark celebration.

The occasion brought together senior and junior journalists from Jigawa State and neighboring areas. The ceremony was marked by excitement, hospitality, and a strong sense of solidarity among members of the journalism profession.

The maiden Press Week and award ceremony marked an important milestone for the NUJ Jigawa State Council, providing an opportunity to recognize outstanding contributions, strengthen professional relationships, and encourage greater commitment to responsible journalism and the development of the union.