Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum Elects,  Swears In New Executive Committee In Kaduna 

By Frederick Peters, Kaduna

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA — The Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum (SKJF) has on Saturday successfully elected and sworn in its new leadership during a gathering in Kaduna. 

The event which took place at the forum’s Secretariat  in Kaduna, drew journalists from across the southern region, Kaduna State, and the wider country.

Representing the Kaduna State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Chairman, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, the Council Secretary, Comrade Gambo Santos Sanga, emphasized the importance of peace and unity.

​”It is primarily to appeal for calm, understanding, and unity of purpose among the Southern Kaduna journalists,” Comrade Sanga stated. “You are all aware that there was bickering at the initial stage, with misgivings here and there. But we give God the glory; truth was eventually reached where all parties conceded and agreed on a consensus. Even though the SK Journalists Forum is not a formal chapel under the union, we view the forum as a supportive group for the growth and development of the NUJ in Kaduna State.”

​He further charged the incoming leadership to work with every member irrespective of tribe or religious affiliation, assuring them of the council’s continuous support and guidance.

​A Seamless Transition by Consensus

​according to the Electoral Committee (ELCOM) Chairman, Mr. Luka Biniyat, the handover was entirely seamless.

​”The contestants agreed amicably not to go for balloting; they sat down among themselves and decided on positions,”

 Mr. Biniyat explained. “Mr. Richard Pius Garba of Salama Radio emerged by consensus as the new chairman of the Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum.”

​Biniyat noted that the event was witnessed by Barrister Timothy Bonnet—a respected veteran journalist and lawyer—who offered valuable fatherly advice.

 “The spirit here is that of conviviality and brotherliness. The new chairman’s speech was very motivating, and we are looking forward to a stronger, more productive Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum.”

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​Reflecting on his tenure, the outgone Chairman and Political Editor with Invicta FM, Ango Bally, expressed immense satisfaction in handing over to a capable successor., “I feel so great, in the sense that I am handing over to capable hands. Mr. Richard Pius Garba has been part of the leadership which I led as an exco for four years, and he is very resourceful. He is a man of ideas, social capital, and leadership qualities who can build on where we stopped.”

​Bally highlighted the growth of the forum from its humble beginnings:fully equipped the office with executive furniture and chairs, making it suitable for workshops, training sessions, and press conferences.

​The Incoming Chairman’s Vision

​The newly elected chairman, Richard Pius Garba (widely known as RPG), accepted the mantle of leadership with a deep sense of responsibility.

​”The confidence is overwhelming, and I sincerely want to appreciate everyone who dedicated their time, resources, and sacrifice towards my candidature,” RPG said. “I am taking this responsibility with my full chest to be able to move the Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum to an enviable height, and we are determined to work with our colleagues to achieve that desired result.”

​Urging members to remain engaged, he added, “This is a leadership that is ready to listen to advice and offer herself for the emancipation of her people—the people of Southern Kaduna. We are first journalists, and we are first the people of Southern Kaduna. I call on our members to join hands with this leadership, to guide us, and to draw our attention when we deviate so that we can achieve success together.”

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​Several prominent members shared their optimism regarding the peaceful transition as Abubakar Labaran (Blueprint Newspaper) described the election as very impressive, free, and fai He noted that because Southern Kaduna is one family, the maiden election was conducted without rancor, paving the way for a new beginning under a transparent, open-door policy.

​Midat Joseph (Media Adviser to Senator Sunday Marshall Katung): Lauded the exercise, emphasizing that the contestants’ willingness to step down in support of one another showcased the true spirit of a family affair. He advised the new leadership to unite the people further, bring in non-members, and foster togetherness.

​Jamima Shagari (Liberty Radio and Television): Praised the event as beautiful and peaceful. She offered prayers for unity, progress, wisdom, and strength for the new executives, stressing that division has no place among Southern Kaduna journalists