Kaduna State – Shettima Yerima, the President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and an aspirant for the Kaduna Central Senatorial Seat, was a key figure and award recipient at the 2025 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Annual Press Week and Book Launch, held at Bafra Hotel, Kaduna.
The prestigious event, which drew journalists, media executives, government officials, and civil society representatives, provided a platform to reflect on journalism in Nigeria, celebrate professional excellence, and promote intellectual contributions to the media industry. Yerima’s participation added significant prestige to the occasion.
In recognition of his consistent support for journalism and media development, Yerima was presented with an Award of Honour by the NUJ. Upon receiving the award, he donated ₦500,000 to support the union’s activities, a gesture warmly received by organizers and participants alike.
Journalists are Our ‘Watchdogs,’ Says AYCF President
In an interview shortly after the ceremony, the AYCF leader paid a glowing tribute to Nigerian journalists, describing them as essential "watchdogs" deserving of universal support.
"I feel honored. I feel great," Yerima began. "Without the journalists, we couldn't have [achieved] what we're getting today." He affirmed that the press has been instrumental in shaping public life and his own journey, helping them reach their current standing.
"For us, they remain watchdogs. For us, they deserve celebration," he stated, stressing the necessity of providing journalists with "every support at every angle." He concluded by thanking the NUJ: "Indeed, they deserve everything. So we thank them once again for this honor."
He further expressed that the award motivated him to continue supporting initiatives that promote responsible journalism, democracy, and national development, reaffirming his belief in the media as a vital pillar of democracy.
On Senatorial Contest: ‘People are Wise Enough to Decide’
When pressed on the fierce political competition for the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat, Yerima shifted focus from political maneuvering to the democratic wisdom of the electorate.
He expressed confidence that the Nigerian people are "wise enough to know what is good for them" and capable of learning from "their experience they had in the past." He urged citizens to critically assess all aspirants, demanding that they "consider [the] antecedent of characters, each and every of those characters that are today showcasing themselves."
For the AYCF president, the political contest is ultimately a matter for the citizens to decide. "So it's left for people to decide," he stated simply, adding that the role of aspirants like him is merely "to give ourselves voluntarily for services."
Maintaining a philosophical stance, he said that regardless of the result, he would remain thankful. "If at the end of the day eventually they decide, yeah, anywhere it goes, we thank God, Almighty God for [it]. We have paid our dues."
The 2025 NUJ Press Week, which also featured lectures, panel discussions, and a book launch, concluded with renewed commitments to uphold ethical journalism and defend press freedom. NUJ officials thanked Yerima Shettima for his presence, recognition, and generous donation, noting that his support underscored the importance of collaboration between journalists and key societal stakeholders.
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