The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has conferred the title of Grand Patron on Governor Uba Sani, highlighting his administration's respect for press freedom and its role in fostering peace. The honour was announced during the 2025 NUJ Press Week Public Lecture and Award Ceremony at Bafra Hotel, Kaduna, on Saturday.
The event, themed “Media and the Kaduna Peace Model: Strengthening Dialogue, Security and Development in the North,” brought together government officials, security chiefs, media executives, and award recipients, including political aspirant Shettima Yerima.
In his welcome address, the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade AbdulGafar Alabelewe, praised Governor Sani for creating an environment where journalists “work without fear of harassment or intimidation—an encouraging departure from previous experiences.”
Alabelewe also outlined pressing needs for the union, appealing to the Governor for support in renovating the dilapidated NUJ Secretariat, securing its Certificate of Occupancy, and providing a shuttle bus and an official vehicle to enhance the council's operations.
Media as a Pillar of the Peace Model
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Media as Catalyst for Peace: Strengthening the Kaduna State Model,” retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman underscored the media's dual power to either fuel conflict or foster reconciliation.
“The media has the power to promote peace by fostering understanding, but when misused, it can deepen divisions and fuel conflict,” Usman stated, quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
He presented the disbanded Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC) and its holistic “Kaduna Peace Model” as a successful, institutionalised template for conflict prevention through inclusive dialogue. Usman argued that responsible reporting and “peace journalism” are ethical imperatives crucial to sustaining this model, especially in countering digital misinformation and hate speech that threaten social cohesion.
“A careless headline or unverified post can disrupt fragile peace and reopen old wounds,” he cautioned, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy and context.
His recommendations included the re-constitution of the Kaduna State Peace Commission, the establishment of a “Media Peace Compact,” and intensive training for journalists in conflict-sensitive reporting.
Award Recipient Praises Journalists as "Watchdogs"
Among the distinguished awardees was Shettima Yerima, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and an aspirant for the Kaduna Central Senatorial Seat. Yerima received an Award of Honour for his support of media development and donated ₦500,000 to the NUJ.
In an interview, Yerima honoured the press as essential “watchdogs,” stating, “Without the journalists, we couldn't have [achieved] what we're getting today.” He called for universal support for the profession.
When asked about his upcoming senatorial race, Yerima expressed confidence in the electorate's wisdom. “The people are wise enough to know what is good for them,” he said, urging voters to scrutinise the antecedents of all candidates. He maintained a philosophical outlook on the contest's outcome, stating his role was “to give ourselves voluntarily for services.”
A Unified Call for Collaboration
Both the NUJ chairman and the guest lecturer echoed the necessity for stronger collaboration between government, media, and communities to entrench sustainable peace.
Comrade Alabelewe reaffirmed the union's commitment to aligning its work with government policies that promote peace and development. General Usman concluded by charging journalists to see themselves as “custodians of social harmony.”
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