Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting journalists in the state, acknowledging their vital role in national development. The governor’s message was delivered by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Home Affairs, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, at the 70th anniversary lecture and get-together of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Al-Hayat Regency Suites, Katsina.
Conveying the governor’s goodwill, Dr. Zango described Malam Dikko Radda as a friend of the media who is ready to assist journalists in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities. He noted that the media has made immense contributions to the growth of the nation through its role in informing, educating, and enlightening the public.
Dr. Zango also shared his personal perspective on the ongoing debate about the regulation of social media. He argued that existing laws, including the Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech, as well as the Penal Code and other legal provisions, are sufficient to guide responsible use of the platforms without the need for additional restrictive legislation. He commended the positive impact social media is having in various aspects of national development.
Earlier, the Katsina State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Tukur Hassan Dan-Alli, welcomed participants to the event, emphasizing that the union’s 70-year journey reflects resilience, sacrifice, and unrelenting commitment to truth, justice, and ethical journalism.
The highlight of the event was a lecture titled “NUJ @70: A Historical Perspective”, presented by Dr. Samaila Balarabe of the Department of Mass Communication, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic. The lecturer traced the union’s evolution from its establishment in 1955 during the colonial period to its present-day role in the digital media space. He recounted the struggles of journalists during military regimes, the transition to democracy, and the fresh challenges posed by the digital age, such as fake news, misinformation, and cyber threats.
A panel of discussants—including Mansir Lawal Kaware, Abdullahi Izma Yamadi, and Abdullahi Aliyu Yar’Adua—provided insightful contributions on the lecture, calling for enhanced training, capacity building, and the reinforcement of ethical standards among media practitioners.
Goodwill messages were delivered by traditional leaders and media executives, including Kanwan Katsina, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, who praised the union’s role in sustaining democratic values and national cohesion. Kanwan Katsina, District Head of Ƙetare, is the Katsina State NUJ Patron.
NUJ Zonal Secretary (Northwest), Alhaji Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, and the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, also addressed the gathering. The national president charged journalists to uphold the core values of accuracy, fairness, and objectivity, particularly in times of national insecurity and socio-political tension.
He stressed the importance of the media’s role in fostering unity, combating misinformation, and holding leaders accountable without resorting to sensationalism or unethical practices.
The event, which featured entertainment and a closing prayer, marked a significant moment of reflection on the union’s achievements and challenges over the past seven decades, as well as renewed commitment to building a stronger and more responsible journalism profession in Nigeria.
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