By Yakubu Halliru

In a bid to empower young people for future leadership, the Lead Conveners of the Retreat; ACCESS Initiative Africa has organized a public awareness rally to promote the importance of leadership skills among youths.

Speaking to journalists after the rally at the Gombe Emir’s Palace, the convener, Abubakar Waziri, encouraged youths to participate in the upcoming leadership retreat being planned by the organization. He noted that such engagements are key to shaping a responsible and impactful future generation.

Also speaking, the Program Director of ACCESS Initiative Africa, Salihu Bello Yero, said the rally aimed to introduce residents to the upcoming retreat, which targets young men and women, with a focus on building their leadership capacity for the future.

Mustapha Sa’eed, Founder of Sahellian Savannah (co-conveners), highlighted the importance of capacity-building for youths, describing them as the backbone of any progressive society.

A representative of the women’s wing, Ummulkhairi Abubakar Mai Siyasa, called on women to actively participate in the retreat, noting that it will equip them with essential skills and broader opportunities.

Representing the student community, the National President of the Gombe State Students’ Association, Comrade Mohammed Al-Amin Bako, urged students to seize the opportunity, saying they are the future leaders of the country.

The rally, which started from Liberty Junction and ended at the Gombe Emir’s Palace, drew participation from youths, students, and civil society organizations.

By Our Correspondent

The newly appointed General Manager of Radio Nigeria Jewel FM Gombe, Mallam Zubairu Ahmad, has called on staff of the station to embrace discipline, teamwork, and renewed dedication to duty in order to sustain and enhance the station’s reputation.

Mallam Ahmad made the charge during a formal handing-over ceremony held at the station’s premises in Gombe, where he officially took over from the outgoing General Manager, Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta.

He emphasized that discipline remained a key pillar for maintaining operational standards, adding that staff must be proactive, steadfast, and united in the pursuit of the station’s objectives.

“Without discipline and commitment, our goals will remain just dreams. I urge everyone to redouble their efforts and work as one family to move Jewel FM forward,” Ahmad stated.

Earlier in his farewell remarks, Dr. Danbatta highlighted strategic revenue generation measures implemented during his tenure to keep the station competitive in Nigeria’s dynamic broadcasting industry. He expressed appreciation to the Gombe State Government for its support and commended the staff for their cooperation, urging them to extend the same loyalty and dedication to his successor.

Speaking on behalf of the management staff, the Manager, Programmes, Malam Ahmad Daku, praised Dr. Danbatta’s leadership and contributions to the station’s growth, assuring Mallam Ahmad of the full cooperation of the workforce.

The event was attended by all members of staff and heads of departments, marking a smooth and symbolic transition in the station’s leadership.

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.