By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina TIMES
The Katsina State Government has commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for its patriotic contributions to national development and pledged continued support for professional journalism, as the union marked its 70th anniversary in a grand event held at the Hayatt Regency Suite Conference Hall, Katsina, on Tuesday, 17th June 2025.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda, Ph.D., the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, described journalism as a cornerstone of democracy and good governance. He praised the NUJ for its unwavering commitment to press freedom, democratic accountability, and public enlightenment over the past seven decades.
"Celebrating 70 years of the NUJ is not merely a festivity; it is a call for reflection," said Dr. Zango. "We must reflect on where we started, where we are, and where we are heading in the face of modern-day challenges, especially the rise of unregulated social media."
He expressed concern that over 60 percent of those who claim to be journalists today lack formal training and professional ethics. “Journalism is not just a right—it is a discipline that requires training, ethics, and competence,” he stated, adding that the government has consistently invested in training and retraining programmes for journalists in the state.
Dr. Zango reiterated the government's resolve to collaborate further with the NUJ in promoting world-class journalism practices that will contribute to state and national development.
Also speaking at the event, NUJ Katsina State Council Chairman, Comrade Tukur Hassan Dan-Ali, emphasised the crucial role of journalists in promoting peace, security, and social cohesion in the state. He called for stronger collaboration between the government and media practitioners to drive Katsina’s development agenda.
A keynote lecture titled *“NUJ at 70: A Historical Review”* was delivered by Dr. Sama’ila Balarabe of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic. He presented a five-phase historical evolution of the NUJ—from its anti-colonial roots (1955–1960), through the post-independence era, the dark days of military repression, the democratic resurgence, to the current digital era challenged by misinformation and citizen journalism.
Dr. Balarabe applauded the union’s struggle for the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act and its role in shifting journalism from analogue to digital, while urging practitioners to uphold ethical standards amidst rising public distrust and fake news.
The National President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahaya, represented by Northwest Zonal Secretary Bello Kaura, acknowledged the union’s legacy in exposing corruption, amplifying the voices of the voiceless, and building national unity.
The event also honoured veteran journalist and traditional titleholder, UK Bello Kankara (Hakimin Ketare), widely recognised as the founding father of the NUJ in Katsina. Kankara, a former broadcaster and Nigeria Customs Service spokesperson, praised the current leadership for renovating the union’s office and mosque. He also expressed joy over an upcoming award to be conferred on him by the NUJ national body in Abuja.
The event was attended by top government officials, veteran journalists, and media stakeholders. It served as a moment of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to ethical, responsible, and development-oriented journalism.
