The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, for his administration’s development initiatives and support for the media.
The NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, gave the commendation when the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) paid a courtesy visit to Governor Namadi at the Government House in Dutse, on the sidelines of its NEC meeting held in the state.
Yahaya noted that the meeting marked the first time in 12 years that the NUJ had held its NEC meeting in Jigawa State, describing the governor’s support for the gathering as commendable.
He also praised Governor Namadi for his approach to monitoring government projects, particularly his practice of inspecting projects personally, challenging contractors over poor performance and recognising those delivering quality work.
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According to him, such actions demonstrate accountability and provide an example that other state governors should emulate.
However, the NUJ President appealed to the Jigawa State Government and other stakeholders to strengthen investment in journalism education, while providing greater support for practicing journalists and retired media professionals.
Development Programmes
Responding, Governor Namadi thanked the NUJ leadership for choosing Jigawa to host its national meeting, describing the engagement as an opportunity to exchange ideas and showcase the state’s development programmes.
The governor noted that agriculture remained at the centre of his administration’s development agenda, noting that between 80 and 90 percent of Jigawa’s population depends on the sector for their livelihoods.
Namadi said his administration had adopted a science-based approach to agriculture, with investments in irrigation, mechanisation, agricultural extension, research and value addition aimed at making farming more productive and profitable.
He disclosed that the state had established 60 agricultural service centres equipped with machinery and supported by mechanics, drivers, managers and booking agents to improve farmers’ access to mechanised services.
The governor also highlighted the revitalisation of the Jigawa Research Institute in Kazaure, saying the initiative was designed to improve agricultural yields and provide farmers with reliable information on crops suitable for different parts of the state.
On technical and vocational education, Namadi said the state had established eight centres of excellence for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), alongside seven technical secondary schools.
He further disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved the training of 100 people in India and China in various technical trades to strengthen the capacity of the state’s technical institutions.
The governor expressed appreciation to the NUJ delegation for its positive assessment of some government projects visited during its stay in Jigawa, assuring that his administration would continue to prioritise development initiatives capable of improving the lives of residents.
