By Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, Anipr
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, has taken a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the media, government institutions and the wider community by recognising seven distinguished personalities for their contributions to journalism, institutional development and public service.
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The recognition took place during the council’s maiden Press Week in Dutse, an initiative that provided an opportunity to celebrate individuals whose professional commitments and public responsibilities have contributed to the growth of their respective institutions and the development of society.
Among those honoured were the Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim; Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; and former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede.
Other award recipients included Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ahmed Umar Labbo; Engineer Surajo Sabo Babura; Chief Press Secretary to Governor Umar Namadi, Hamidu Muhammad Gumel; and Freedom Radio Dutse Station Manager, Ali Aminu Falaki.
The awards underscored the importance of recognising public servants, administrators, media professionals and other stakeholders whose work contributes to public enlightenment, effective communication, institutional progress and community development.
Beyond the presentation of awards, the Press Week highlighted the need for stronger cooperation between journalists and public institutions in promoting transparency, responsible reporting, peaceful coexistence and democratic accountability.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, reaffirmed the Jigawa State Government’s readiness to maintain a constructive relationship with the media.
He described journalism as an essential instrument for promoting peace, strengthening democracy and supporting sustainable development.
His remarks reflected the importance of maintaining open channels of communication between government and journalists, enabling citizens to receive timely, accurate and useful information about government policies, programmes and public affairs.
The partnership between the media and government is particularly important in a society where citizens depend on credible information to understand public policies, participate in civic activities and make informed decisions on matters affecting their daily lives.
Similarly, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi pledged continued support for journalists, recognising the importance of professional media practice in communicating developments in information technology and promoting public understanding of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
His commitment also drew attention to the growing relationship between journalism and technology, particularly in an era when digital platforms have become major channels for information dissemination, public engagement and civic education.
For journalists to perform their responsibilities effectively in this changing environment, cooperation among media organisations, technology institutions and relevant stakeholders remains essential.
Read also: NUJ Jigawa to host maiden press week
Veteran NUJ member Sabo Abdullahi Guri also urged the Jigawa State Council to sustain the Press Week initiative, emphasising the value of creating opportunities to recognise outstanding contributions and strengthen professional relationships within the media industry.
Such initiatives can encourage journalists to maintain high ethical standards, improve their professional competence and remain committed to reporting issues that matter to ordinary citizens.
The National President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, commended the Jigawa State Council Chairman, Isma’il Ibrahim Dutse, for his efforts to revitalise the union, improve its public image and strengthen members’ participation in union activities.
He also pledged the support of the national leadership for the council, while calling for continued commitment to professional standards and the welfare of journalists.
The national president’s remarks highlighted the responsibility of union leadership to build an organisation that protects its members, promotes professional discipline and maintains public confidence in journalism.
A strong journalists’ union is important not only for defending the legitimate interests of media practitioners but also for encouraging responsible reporting, safeguarding professional integrity and ensuring that the public continues to benefit from credible information.
The recognition of the seven personalities also demonstrated how professional awards can serve as a bridge between the media and other sectors of society. By acknowledging individuals who contribute to public service and institutional development, the NUJ can encourage constructive engagement and promote a culture of mutual respect.
However, the value of such recognition extends beyond the ceremony itself. It is reflected in the willingness of award recipients and their institutions to sustain cooperation with journalists, respond to legitimate public concerns and support initiatives that improve the welfare of communities.
For Jigawa State and neighbouring areas, a productive relationship between the media, government institutions and other stakeholders can help promote public awareness of education, healthcare, security, agriculture, economic opportunities and other essential development priorities.
Journalists, in turn, have a responsibility to report these issues fairly, verify information before publication, provide balanced perspectives and give citizens opportunities to understand developments that affect their communities.
The NUJ Press Week therefore provided a platform for reflection on the shared responsibilities of journalists and public institutions in building an informed society. It also reinforced the principle that public recognition should inspire greater service, accountability and cooperation.
The event attracted national and zonal officials of the NUJ, leaders of the Kano State Council, and journalists from Jigawa and neighbouring states, reflecting the importance of collaboration across state boundaries in advancing professional journalism.
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As the Jigawa State Council begins what it hopes will become a sustainable annual tradition, the success of the maiden Press Week will ultimately depend on its ability to strengthen professional solidarity, encourage public-service partnerships and promote journalism that serves the interests of society.
The broader message is clear: when journalists and responsible public institutions maintain a relationship founded on mutual respect, professional independence and a shared commitment to the public interest, the community stands to benefit through better information, greater understanding and stronger democratic participation.
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