KATSINA TIMES

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has called on online journalists to uphold professional ethics, ensure accuracy in their reports and avoid spreading fake news and unverified information.

The governor made the call on Monday, November 9, 2026, through the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Bala Salisu Zango, who represented him at the inauguration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, Online Media Chapel.

The inauguration, held at the NUJ Secretariat, Layout, Kofar Kaura, Katsina, also featured the swearing-in of Abubakar Shafi’i as the chapel's pioneer chairman.

Other executives sworn in were Mustapha Saddiq of Katsina Post as Secretary and Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar of Katsina Times as Treasurer.

Speaking at the event, Zango described the establishment of the chapel as an important step towards accommodating the changing dynamics of journalism.

He urged members to see the new chapel as an additional platform for strengthening the NUJ rather than a rival to existing structures within the union.

The commissioner reaffirmed the Katsina State Government's readiness to collaborate with journalists in promoting the state's development, stressing the importance of cooperation between the government and media practitioners.

He also encouraged online journalists to embrace development journalism and use their platforms to promote public awareness and sustainable development.

In his remarks, the NUJ Katsina State Chairman, Comrade Aminu Garba Dandagoro, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the council's efforts to accommodate practitioners in the growing digital media sector.

He explained that the initiative was not intended to create division or competition within the union but to provide an organised platform through which online journalists could participate in its activities.

Dandagoro urged members to uphold accuracy, fairness, accountability and professional ethics, while prioritising continuous training and capacity development.

He warned against fake news, sensationalism, character assassination and the publication of unverified information, noting that the chapel's success would depend on the credibility and quality of journalism its members produce.

The chairman of the occasion, Professor Sani Abubakar Lugga, represented by Malam Ahmad Abdulkadir Bakori, said the inauguration reflected the changing nature of journalism and the growing influence of digital media.

Lugga recalled an article he published on Facebook on September 21, 2025, titled "The Thinking Professional Belonging to Online Journalists," in which he advocated the inclusion of genuine online journalism practitioners in the NUJ.

He observed that the expansion of digital publishing had created a new generation of journalists whose professional activities were not adequately accommodated within traditional media structures.

However, he cautioned that recognising online journalists should not lead to a relaxation of professional standards or the automatic admission of everyone operating social media accounts into the union.

He urged the new chapel to promote mentorship, professional development, peer review and ethical online publishing.

Lugga also called for stronger collaboration between conventional broadcasting organisations and digital media platforms, stressing that both sectors should complement one another.

The Permanent Secretary of the Katsina State Ministry of Information, Tukur Hassan Ɗan Ali, who is also a former NUJ State Chairman, disclosed that the idea of establishing an online media chapel originated during his tenure as chairman of the union.

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He expressed satisfaction that the initiative had materialised under the leadership of his successor, Dandagoro, describing online journalism as a natural development in the media industry rather than a threat to conventional journalism.

Similarly, the Hakimin Ketare and Kanwan Katsina, Alhaji Bello UK Kankara, urged the new leadership to establish clear rules and regulations to guide the chapel's operations.

He recommended the appointment of a legal adviser, the establishment of disciplinary procedures and regular financial contributions by members to support the chapel's activities.

Kankara also emphasised transparency in financial management, suggesting that expenditure should involve the chairman, secretary and treasurer. He further called for the provision of an office and other necessary administrative facilities.

Dr Abdullahi Aliyu Yar'adua described the inauguration as a timely development, arguing that practitioners operating publicly and privately owned online media platforms should be accommodated within the professional union.

He said journalism remained essential to society because of its responsibility to gather and communicate information to the public.

Yar'adua, who identified himself as a founding member of Katsina Post and Mobile Media Crew, expressed support for the inclusion of digital media practitioners in the NUJ.

The Chairman of Katsina State Radio, Lawal Attahiru Bakori, urged the new executives to build the chapel on a solid foundation by seeking guidance from experienced professionals and senior media practitioners.

The member representing Katsina Local Government Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar Albaba, advised the new chapel to emulate the organisational and disciplinary structures of conventional media chapels.

He urged aspiring journalists to acquire formal education and professional training, distinguishing professional journalism from social media activities that may not necessarily adhere to established journalistic standards.

Albaba also recommended a structured training programme lasting several months to equip aspiring journalists and new members with the necessary professional skills and practical experience.

In a message delivered on behalf of the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, the National Vice-President, Zone A, Comrade Abdulrazaq Kaura, urged the newly inaugurated executives to uphold the union's constitution and professional ethics.

Kaura warned against misinformation, disinformation and fake news, noting that the irresponsible use of digital platforms could undermine public trust, threaten security and disrupt peaceful coexistence.

He called for the immediate establishment of an Ethics and Disciplinary Committee to monitor members' conduct and ensure compliance with professional standards.

He further stressed that freedom of expression must be exercised with respect for the privacy, dignity and rights of individuals.

The NUJ National Vice-President also encouraged members to embrace continuous professional development and use their platforms to promote peace, unity and development.

The event concluded with the administration of the oath of office to the newly elected executives, formally ushering them into their respective positions within the NUJ Katsina State Council.

The establishment of the Online Media Chapel is expected to provide an organised platform for digital media practitioners in Katsina State, while strengthening professional standards, ethical journalism and cooperation within the media industry.