The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has inaugurated the Kano Online Media Chapel, marking Kano State as the first in Northern Nigeria to establish such a body following the 2022 amendment of the NUJ constitution, which formally recognized online media platforms.
The ceremony, held on April 27, was presided over by veteran journalist Alhaji Ahmad Aminu, chairman of the inauguration committee. With over five decades of experience.
Aminu emphasized the growing influence of digital media and commended the Kano State Ministry of Information, led by Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, for uniting online journalists under the NUJ framework.
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Aminu urged online practitioners to uphold reliability, objectivity, and professionalism while fostering collaboration with traditional media outlets, which in Kano include over 30 radio and television stations.
He also expressed concern over the rise of uncivil discourse among youths on digital platforms, calling for adherence to ethical journalism and a focus on societal development over sensationalism.
Government Pledges Support for Media Reforms
Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, described the event as a milestone for journalism in the state, reaffirming the government’s commitment to media reforms.
He stressed the need to restore professionalism in the sector.
“We support this initiative and are determined to drive reforms in the information space. The current state of the media is concerning, and without collective action, meaningful change will remain out of reach. Kano must not be left behind,” Waiya stated.
The newly established chapel is now open for registration, with a focus on unity and capacity-building among online media practitioners.
New Leadership Vows Ethical, Innovative Journalism’
In his acceptance speech, the chapel’s newly elected Chairman, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo of Independent Post, emphasized the role of digital platforms in shaping journalism’s future.
“We are not here to compete with traditional media but to complement it, innovate, and champion responsible, ethical journalism in the digital age,” he said.
Dangambo pledged to promote professionalism, unity, and integrity within the online media community and thanked the NUJ leadership at national and state levels for their support.
The executives, sworn in by NUJ Kano Council Chairman Comrade Suleiman A. Dederi, include:
– Chairman: Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo (Independent Post)
– Vice Chairman: Kahdija Aliyu (Paradigm News)
– Secretary: Isyaku Ahmad (Stallion Times)
– Assistant Secretary: Zahrau Nasir (Daily Watch 24)
– Treasurer: Abbas Yushau Yusuf (Nigeria Tracker)
– Financial Secretary: Zainab Abdurrahman Mai Agogo (Kakaki24)
– Auditor: Musa Ahmad Best-Seller (Alifijir News)
With this move, Kano joins southern states like Delta, Enugu, and Oyo in pioneering a structured platform for online journalists under the NUJ.