NUJ, Kano government chart new course for ethical journalism

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, hosted a Media Interactive Dialogue at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano. The event aimed to chart a new course to re-establish ethical journalism in the state and across the country.

The dialogue brought together veteran journalists, active media practitioners, journalism educators, union leaders, media managers, news editors, senior civil servants, and other key stakeholders to strengthen ethical journalism and reshape media practice in Kano and beyond.

In his address, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, reaffirmed the Kano state government’s commitment to creating a journalist-friendly environment. He commended the NUJ for organizing its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kano and assured continuous support for the Union’s initiatives aimed at effective information dissemination to the public.

Comrade Waiya also emphasized the state government’s efforts in settling significant pension arrears of retired journalists, investing in media infrastructure, and enhancing human capital development, while also responding decisively to security challenges in the state.

The NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, said the interaction was in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of veteran journalists, describing them as the watchdogs of society. He highlighted the importance of the Media Enhancement Bill, which seeks to improve journalists’ welfare through provisions such as insurance coverage, as a pathway to encouraging responsible and ethical reporting.

The event concluded with a renewed pledge from all stakeholders to work collectively towards a vibrant, responsible, and respected journalism profession in Kano state and across Nigeria.

Some of the key resolutions from the dialogue included organizing quarterly media dialogues, encouraging veteran journalists to mentor upcoming practitioners, and establishing recognition and reward systems for journalists who uphold high ethical values.

A nine-member committee was also inaugurated to design the structure, membership criteria, and operational framework for the League of Veteran Journalists of Kano, a professional advisory and mentorship body tasked with preserving the standards, history, and integrity of journalism in the state.