Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, recently welcomed the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Alhassan Yahya, to the Government House in Gombe.
During the courtesy visit, Governor Yahaya praised the NUJ President for his focused and visionary leadership since assuming office, describing his stewardship as impactful and forward-looking.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the NUJ, especially in advancing press freedom and upholding journalistic professionalism across the country.
Governor Yahaya also pledged continued assistance towards the timely completion of a befitting NUJ State Secretariat in Gombe.
He extended his administration’s support to national media establishments operating within the state, noting their role in deepening democratic discourse.
He lauded journalists in Gombe for their professionalism and constructive engagement, acknowledging the essential role of the media in promoting democratic governance and national development.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the NUJ for honouring him with the ‘Media-Friendly Governor Award’ during the Union’s 70th Anniversary in Abuja.
He described the recognition as a strong encouragement to remain transparent and accountable while strengthening media-government relations.
In his remarks, NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahya expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Yahaya, attributing part of his emergence as NUJ President to the Governor’s unwavering support.
He commended Governor Yahaya for his people-centred governance, particularly highlighting achievements in the health sector, a domain he said holds special significance for him.
“Your Excellency, not only have you fulfilled your campaign promises in healthcare and other sectors, but you have also maintained a respectful and collaborative relationship with the media. This is truly commendable,” said Comrade Yahya.
He reiterated the importance of completing the NUJ Secretariat in Gombe and disclosed that the Union is considering the state as a potential host for one of its forthcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meetings.
Comrade Yahya also briefed the Governor on his recent engagements with key national figures including the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
These discussions, he noted, focused on fostering national unity and security, areas in which he believes journalists have a vital peace-building role to play.
He pledged to continue serving as an ambassador for Gombe State wherever he would go and expressed his firm commitment to deepening the partnership between the media and government in the interest of transparency, good governance, and national progress.
Lateefah Ibrahim