Kaduna NUJ Celebrates One-Year Anniversary at "Chairman’s Night," Calls for Government Support

KADUNA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, hosted a "Special Get-Together" tagged The Chairman’s Night on Saturday, December 27, 2025, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the current executive leadership. The event, held at the NUJ Premises in Kaduna, served as both a professional milestone and a social gathering for journalists to connect outside the pressures of deadlines.

A Year of "Challenging and Wonderful" Leadership

Addressing the assembly, the Chairman of the Kaduna NUJ Council, Comrade Abdulgafar Alabelewe, described the first year of his mandate as a period of laying a "solid foundation" for a vibrant council. He noted that while leadership has been a significant responsibility, the executive team has successfully worked to repair the previously "severe relationship" between the council and the state government.

"It’s been a year that you gave us the mandate to lead this council," Alabelewe stated. "In one year, we have not disappointed".

The Chairman highlighted recent welfare initiatives, including the provision of two cows for members to celebrate the Christmas holiday, and promised further benefits before the end of the year.

Key Demands: Shuttle Bus and Land Titles

Despite the celebrations, the Chairman utilized the presence of government representatives to make two critical appeals for the council's development:

Alabelewe pointed out that Kaduna is virtually the only council in the Northwest without a functional shuttle bus, which has hindered members from conducting tours of developmental projects.

On the NUJ secretariat complex, the Chairman noted that despite occupying the premises for four decades, the union lacks the necessary legal documentation and urged the state government to grant the C of O to enable the union to carry out further development on the befitting edifice.

Alabelewe maintained that his executive team has not disappointed its members, citing the successful restoration of a positive relationship with the state government and the implementation of welfare schemes, such as the recent distribution of cows to members for the Christmas celebration.

Government Commends Journalists as "Backbone of Discourse"

The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, represented at the event by Malam Yunusa Mohammed Abdullahi, praised the Kaduna NUJ as the "backbone of public discourse in our state". In a speech read on his behalf, the Commissioner emphasized that the relationship between the government and the press is strongest when built on mutual trust.

"Tonight isn’t for press releases or deadlines," the Commissioner remarked. "It is for us to let our hair down". He encouraged journalists to continue writing the state’s story with truth and passion while enjoying the night's festivities.

Recognition and Awards

The evening concluded with an award presentation ceremony. The Council recognized various members and government representatives who have supported the union over the past year. 

Chairman Alabelewe expressed hope that these awards would spur the winners to even greater responsibility in their professional duties.

The event was attended by various partners, friends, and members of the press, who gathered to "wine and dine" in a relaxed atmosphere designed to foster the exchange of ideas and professional solidarity.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ) Northwest Zone through its Zonal Secretary, Comrade Daharatu Ahmed Aliyu presented a cash support to some women journalists, courtesy of the Christian Association of Nigeria.