The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, hosted a landmark Media Interactive Dialogue at the NUJ Press Center, Kano.
The event, held on Wednesday brought together veteran journalists, active media practitioners, journalism educators, union leaders, media managers, news editors, senior civil servants, and other key stakeholders to strengthen ethical journalism and reshape media practice in Kano and beyond.
The engagement, which formed part of the activities for the two-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NUJ, provided a rare platform for seasoned journalists to share their wealth of experience with the younger generation, while also addressing contemporary challenges facing the profession.
In his address, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to creating a journalist-friendly environment.
He commended the NUJ for organizing its NEC meeting in Kano and assured continuous support for the Union’s initiatives aimed at effective public information dissemination.
Comrade Waiya also emphasized the government’s efforts in settling significant pension arrears of retired journalists, investing in media infrastructure, and enhancing human capital development, while also responding decisively to security challenges in the state.
The Commissioner further described the dialogue as a timely intervention in strengthening professional ethics, assuring that the Kano State Government will continue to partner with the NUJ and veteran journalists to improve the quality of journalism in the state.
Speaking earlier, the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, said the interaction was in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of veteran journalists, describing them as the watchdogs of society.
He highlighted the importance of the Media Enhancement Bill, which seeks to improve journalists’ welfare through provisions such as insurance coverage, as a pathway to encouraging responsible and ethical reporting.
“The engagement provided a platform to share experiences, acquaint the younger generation with the rudiments of journalism, and discuss the need to adapt to modern techniques,” Comrade Yahaya stated.
Former NUJ National President, Comrade Sani Zoro, reflected on the remarkable impact of the Kano State chapter at the national level, noting the number of revered officials it had produced over the years.
Veteran contributors, including former Commissioners of Information and Internal Affairs, Alhaji Baba Halilu Dantiye and Professor Umar Faruk Ibrahim; former Permanent Secretaries, Muhammad Danyaro and Ahmed Aminu; Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule; and Abdulkadir Ahmad Kwakwatawa, urged younger journalists to uphold professional ethics for a prosperous future.
They called for regular engagements with veterans to strengthen the profession’s integrity.
Key resolutions from the dialogue included organizing quarterly media dialogues to sustain ethical standards and professional development, encouraging veteran journalists to mentor upcoming practitioners using digital platforms, and providing convergence facilities for retired journalists to foster intellectual exchange.
Other resolutions are ensuring broadcast media recruit trained and articulate presenters, establishing recognition and reward systems for journalists who uphold high ethical values, prioritizing socially relevant content aligned with the state’s socio-cultural realities, and supporting the creation of strong private television stations to boost Kano’s national visibility.
The meeting also endorsed the creation of the League of Veteran Journalists of Kano, a professional advisory and mentorship body tasked with preserving the standards, history, and integrity of journalism in the state.
A nine-member committee was inaugurated to design its structure, membership criteria, and operational framework. Members include Baba Halilu Dantiye, mni, Ahmed Aminu, Mohammed Danyaro, Abdulkadir Kwakwatawa, Prof. Umar Faruk Jibril, Assoc. Prof. Sule Ya’u Sule
Others are Dr. Saminu Umar Rijiyar Zaki, Mustapha Gambo Muhammed, and Hauwa Sulaiman Zaharaddeen.
The Media Interactive Dialogue concluded with a renewed pledge from all stakeholders to work collectively towards a vibrant, responsible, and respected journalism profession in Kano State and across Nigeria.
