Kaduna Agog As NUJ President Commissions Projects, Receives Award With 11 Others

By Frederick Peters, KADUNA.

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ) Comrade Chris Isiguzo, has commissioned several laudable projects initiated and completed by the Hajia Asmau led Kaduna state NUJ Council within 5 months of assumption of Office.

Isiguzo and 11 others distinguished Nigerians were also honoured for their invaluable contribution to the  development and growth of the profession, nation and humanity.

The two day event was the commissioning / lecture and award ceremony on the giant strides of the new Kaduna NUJ state council within the period under review, held on Friday- Saturday at the press center, Kaduna.

Speaking to Journalists, shortly after the event, one of the awardees, NUJ National President, High Chief, Chris Isiguzo, commended the feats achieved, while calling on journalists to be responsible in their reportage at all times. especially, towards 2023 elections

”  it’s so encouraging that, we’ve come and we have seen what is going on in Kaduna state, there’s massive transformational efforts going on here and gradually, journalists, the owners of this facility are returning to their facility, which is a very good one,

He said, ” in the past, you see journalists seeking solace somewhere else, but now, they can easily operate their facility, and I want to specially appreciate the chairman of the occasion, who has graciously, granted us one year internet. subscription, that’s tremendous, that’s a very good one

” So I want to commend Asmau’s leadership, for what she’s doing, if she has been able to do this in just 6 months, you can now imagine what will happen in the next 30 months; it will be phenomenal” he added

According to him, journalists must exhibit that high sense of responsibility and professionalism now that the country is on a threshold of the 2023 general election, by simply saying ‘ Journalists must be responsible journalists” 

Earlier in her address,  during the projects commissioning, the  Kaduna NUJ Chairman, Comrade Asma’u Yawo Halilu, while thanking God for the opportunity to achieve what they were able to do within the period under review pointed out that, the need to’ do things differently ‘was what spurred them.

” Considering the overwhelming support we are enjoying from our members, our only option is to work hard and make them proud. That is our driving force, as the maxim says: ‘ *To whom much is given, much is expected’.*   

” NUJ Kaduna secretariat is wearing a beautiful look. The environment is now habitable, serene and conducive for our members to carry out their daily activities”  Adding that all these have been made possible through support of members with the backing from some key partners.”

She said”  In the last five months, we also faced some challenges, which is expected and normal in any clime. But with dedication and determination, we are where we are today. Well, without pains there would never be gains in the journey of life.  

In the first 30 days of assumption into office, our first step was to trim the trees and plant new flowers. This is in our bide to providing a beautiful landscape of the secretariat environ.

” We have also provided modern conference table and chairs in the Conference Room, courtesy of Alhaji Usman Ibrahim, popularly known as Sardaunan Badarawa, while the customized window blinds in our offices was donated by a philanthropist who does not want his name mentioned.   

” We thank the Seven-up Company for supporting the Council by painting part of the Secretariat buildings. 

” On your behalf our esteemed members, we renovated and upgraded the four toilet facilities for your use. Before now, there used to be four squatting system but we have been able to change two of those squatters to the modern toilet seats with washing hand basins, while all broken tiles on both the floor and walls were replaced. This milestone is for your benefit” she stated

According to her,  until now, ” it was difficult to control the influx of non members into our secretariat, in order to have some level of sanity, we had to fix barricades, employed security men and also fixed all the security lights.  

” My colleagues, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, to the glory of God, the new leadership has provided office for Correspondents Chapel. We have also commenced building project of office structures for NAWOJ and SWAN. This, we believe will improve on the existing relationship we enjoy as members. The provision of these offices will encourage us to always converge here at the secretariat in order to interact and relate better with one another. 

” We have also built surface drainages at strategic points within the secretariat to address the problem of flooding experienced during rainy season.

” Moving forward, the current council executive under my stewardship is discussing with a partner to provide us with Arabian tents for outdoor congresses. It is also expected to be another source of revenue generation for the council” she hinted

Adding that”  before now, locating the council secretariat was a herculean task for visiting members and the public, today, the story has changed, we have provided a visible sign post placed in front of the NUJ Complex.  

“As we are gathered here today, it is also imperative to announce the provision of the Council’s’ modern sports gallery with state-of-the-art equipment donated by the Nigerian Breweries Plc.

” Proudly too, we announce the donation of a Ford Galaxy vehicle by the Senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Uba Sani, which has helped ease the mobility of the Executives and members on special need” she stated

Asmau further said the issue of capacity building and welfare of members are paramount to her leadership as efforts will be sustained in that regard among others