In recognition of his enduring commitment to the media and his administration’s friendly policies towards journalists, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has been appointed as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The honor was conferred upon him during a ceremony held at the Kano Government House.
The National President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, presented the letter of appointment to the governor, lauding his efforts as one of the most media-friendly governors in the country. Isiguzo praised Yusuf’s long-standing relationship with journalists, citing his role during his tenure as Commissioner for Works in the Kwankwaso administration, where he led the renovation of the Kano Press Center, including the interlocking of the premises.
This appointment is a recognition of your unwavering support for the media community, not just in Kano but across the country,” Isiguzo remarked. “Your rapport with journalists has been exemplary, and we hope this relationship continues to grow stronger.”
Chief Isiguzo also called on Governor Yusuf to reinvest in the press center and support further development of the journalism profession. He urged the governor to enhance the capacity of journalists through training programs, both domestically and internationally, and to support Kano’s delegates as they prepare for the upcoming National Triennial Delegates Conference in Owerri, Imo State.
Responding to the honor, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed his gratitude to the NUJ for appointing him as their Grand Patron. He emphasized the critical role of the media in democracy, referring to journalists as “partners in progress” and recognizing their place as the “fourth estate of the realm.”
We acknowledge the vital role journalists play in our democracy, and I assure you of my administration’s continued support at both the state and national levels,” Yusuf said. “Our goal is to provide a conducive environment where journalists can carry out their duties without fear or favor, and we will continue to work together for the benefit of our state and the nation.”
Governor Yusuf’s pledge to strengthen the relationship between his administration and the media was well received by the NUJ delegation, which included key officials such as Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, Deputy National President and candidate in the upcoming NUJ national elections, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, Chairman of the Kano NUJ Chapter, and Sayyada Bahijja Malam Kabara, Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Kano.
Also present at the event was Kano State Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, MON, who highlighted the governor’s longstanding dedication to media development in Kano.
The appointment of Governor Yusuf as NUJ Grand Patron underscores his administration’s efforts to maintain an open and productive relationship with the media, further cementing his status as a leader who values the importance of a free and responsible press in fostering national development.
