Kano NUJ Inaugurates First Online Media Chapel in Northern Nigeria

By Adamu Aliyu Aliyu/ABUJA//

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has inaugurated the Kano Online Media Chapel in accordance with the union’s amended constitution.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Chairman of the Inauguration Committee and veteran journalist with 50 years of experience, Alhaji Ahmad Aminu, highlighted the critical role of social media in today’s information and communication technology landscape. He commended the Kano State Ministry of Information, led by Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, for its efforts in bringing online journalists under one unified body.

Alhaji Aminu urged online media practitioners to prioritize reliability, integrity, and objectivity in their reporting, stressing the importance of collaboration with traditional media, which in Kano includes over 30 radio and television stations.

He expressed concern over the negative tone of public discourse among some youths on social media, noting that Kano’s reputation has suffered as a result. He emphasized the need for online journalists to adhere strictly to the code of ethics, verify information before publication, and contribute positively to societal development.

In his address, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, reaffirmed his longstanding support for journalism, describing April 27th as a historic day with the establishment of the Kano Online Media Chapel.

“We support this process and aim to reform the information sector. The current media landscape presents challenges, but meaningful change can only occur through unity and stakeholder collaboration. We do not want Kano to be left behind,” Waiya stated.

He pledged the Ministry’s support for the new chapel, emphasizing that unity would be a key pillar for its growth and success.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, publisher of Independent Post, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead. He described the creation of the chapel as a bold recognition of the transformative role digital platforms play in shaping public opinion, holding power accountable, and amplifying the voices of the people.

“We are not here to compete with traditional media,” Dangambo said. “We are here to complement, innovate, and lead the way in responsible, ethical, and impactful journalism in the digital age.”

Dangambo pledged to uphold professionalism, promote unity among practitioners, and advocate for capacity building initiatives that will empower members to thrive in the evolving media landscape.

He also expressed appreciation to Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, the NUJ National Chairman, and the Kano State NUJ Council for their support in establishing the chapel.

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

– Chairman: Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, Independent Post

– Vice Chairman: Khadija 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 Durumin Iya, Alifijir News

Nigerian Tracker reports that the 2022 amendment to the NUJ constitution formally incorporated online media into the 70-year-old union, paving the way for the establishment of online media chapels.

With the inauguration of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Kano becomes the first state in Northern Nigeria to achieve this milestone, following the example of some Southern states such as Delta, Enugu, and Oyo.