By Our Correspondent

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has officially inaugurated the Kano Online Media Chapel, in line with the provisions of its amended constitution, marking a historic milestone in the state’s media landscape.

During the inauguration ceremony, the chairman of the inauguration committee and veteran journalist with over 50 years of experience, Alhaji Ahmad Aminu, emphasized that social media has become integral to modern information and communication technology. He commended the Kano State Ministry of Information, under the leadership of Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, for its efforts in uniting online journalists under one umbrella.

Alhaji Ahmad Aminu urged online media practitioners to uphold the principles of reliability, objectivity, and honor in their reporting. He stressed the importance of working in synergy with the traditional media sector in Kano, which boasts over 30 radio and television stations.

The veteran journalist also highlighted one of the major challenges facing Kano—the growing culture of disrespectful discourse by some youths on media platforms. He lamented that this trend has tainted Kano’s image, with neighboring states expressing concern over the deterioration in public dialogue.

He called on online journalists to strictly adhere to the journalism code of ethics by promoting societal growth, avoiding sensationalism, and ensuring every piece of information is carefully verified before publication.

In his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, reaffirmed his longstanding support for journalism and emphasized his commitment to reforms that will uplift the media sector.

Speaking at the event, Comrade Waiya declared April 27, 2025, as a historic day for journalism in Kano, stating:

> “We support this process wholeheartedly and are committed to bringing much-needed reforms to the information sector. What is happening in the media space is unfortunate. We must bring critical stakeholders together to reposition Kano and ensure it is not left behind.”

The newly inaugurated Kano Online Media Chapel is open for registration to all online media practitioners in the state, with unity and professionalism being its founding pillars.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, publisher of Independent Post and the newly elected chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel, expressed gratitude and pledged to uphold the values of responsible journalism.

> “The formation of this chapel is a bold recognition of the transformative role digital platforms now play in shaping public opinion, holding power accountable, and amplifying the voices of the people,” Dangambo said.
“We are not here to compete with traditional media; we are here to complement, innovate, and lead the way in responsible, ethical, and impactful journalism in the digital age.”

He assured members of his commitment to building a chapel that promotes professionalism, fosters unity, and protects the interests of its members. He emphasized plans for capacity-building initiatives and partnerships that will empower online journalists to thrive in the rapidly evolving media landscape.

Dangambo pledged to uphold public trust by ensuring the highest standards of truth, fairness, and integrity in their reporting, stating that online journalists have a critical duty not only to inform but also to inspire societal progress and development.

He expressed deep appreciation to Commissioner Ibrahim Waiya, the NUJ national leadership, and the Kano NUJ Council for their unwavering support in realizing the vision of the chapel.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kano Council, Comrade Suleiman A. Dederi, administered the oath of office to the newly elected executives of the Kano Online Media Chapel. The executives are:

Chairman: Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo (Independent Post)

Vice Chairman: Khadija Aliyu (Paradigm News)

Secretary: Isyaku Ahmad (Stallion Times)

Treasurer: Abbas Yushau Yusuf (Nigeria Tracker)

Auditor: Musa Ahmad Durumin Iya (Alifijir News)

Assistant Secretary: Zahrau Nasir (Daily Watch 24)

Financial Secretary: Zainab Abdurrahman Mai Agogo (Kakaki24)

Nigeria Tracker reports that the amendment of the NUJ Constitution in 2022 officially incorporated online media into the union, allowing for the establishment of online media chapels across the country.

With the inauguration of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Kano becomes the first state in Northern Nigeria to achieve this milestone. While some southern states like Delta, Enugu, and Oyo have previously inaugurated their online media chapels, Kano’s achievement sets a historic precedent for the northern region.

By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan

The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Gombe State Project Implementation Unit, has entered into a strategic partnership with Youth O’clock Advancement Association Nigeria to promote environmental sustainability and combat desertification across the state.

This was made known by the Gombe State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Dr. Shitu Wanda Jafaru, when he received a delegation from Youth O’clock Nigeria led by the State Coordinator, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, at the project’s office in Gombe.

Dr. Jafaru described the Movement’s objectives particularly in environmental protection and climate action as aligning squarely with NEWMAP’s mandate, assuring their readiness to collaborate closely with Youth O’clock Nigeria, especially in rolling out the implementation phase of the project.

While commending the association for its community-driven initiatives, the Project Coordinator encouraged the team to remain resilient and consistent in their efforts to achieve long-term success.

Earlier in his remarks, the State Coordinator of Youth O’clock Nigeria, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, said the visit was aimed at presenting the organization’s environmental agenda and exploring areas of collaboration in the fight against climate change and desert encroachment.

Comrade Labaran informed the NEWMAP management about the Movement’s 2025 flagship tree-planting initiative which targets the planting of four thousand five hundred (4,500) trees across the three senatorial zones of the state commencing in June.

According to him, the campaign will see the planting of 1,500 trees each in Dukku (Gombe North), Yamaltu Deba (Gombe Central), and Balanga (Gombe South), with the responsibility of nurturing the trees handed over to members of host communities.

In a related development, the delegation also visited the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Gombe State University, Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta, where Comrade Labaran briefed him on the outcomes of a previous partnership that saw over two hundred (200) members of a voluntary uniformed organization trained in first aid, firefighting, communication skills, and teamwork.

The youth leader further sought the university’s collaboration on upcoming projects including town hall meetings, environmental campaigns, and medical outreach programs to be held across the three senatorial districts.

In his response, Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta lauded Youth O’clock Nigeria for its developmental efforts and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting initiatives in alignment with its community service responsibility for the growth of the state and the nation at large.

By Our Correspondent

Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA Lawan Kolo Geidam, has been conferred with an honorary Doctorate Degree of Philosophy in Leadership and Corporate Governance by Wisdom University, USA.

During a presentation ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Bashir Ahmad, Executive Director of the African Centre for Civil Social Justice and Good Governance, praised Geidam’s transformative initiatives in agriculture, which align with national goals for food security and rural development. “Your commitment to empowering farmers and vulnerable groups exemplifies leadership worthy of recognition and emulation,” Dr. Ahmad stated.

According to him, the recommendation of the Mandate Secretary by the Centre for the Doctorate Degree Award was in recognition of his immense contributions to societal development and agricultural reforms in the FCT administration as well his humanitarian activities which goes beyond the FCT and Yobe, but Nigeria at large.
“His initiatives, from modernizing farmer support programme in the FCT to championing climate-resilient agriculture, are blueprints for transformative governance. We, alongside Wisdom University of Science and Technology, endorse this exemplary leadership. Dr. Armed stressed.

In his acceptance speech, Geidam expressed gratitude for the unexpected recognition, dedicating the honor to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. He reiterated his commitment to delivering exceptional results for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, fueled by this prestigious award. “This award will fuel my resolve to deliver even more for Nigeria’s agricultural sector,” Geidam affirmed.