Our reporter
The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award on Media Empowerment by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The award was conferred on Saturday during the Union’s 70th anniversary celebration and book presentation held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
A former President of the NUJ and erstwhile Senator representing Kogi West, Smart Adeyemi, received the prestigious award on behalf of the former governor.
According to a statement signed by the NUJ President and his Deputy, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde, the award was in recognition of Alhaji Bello’s “outstanding contributions” to the welfare of journalists, especially in Kogi State, during his tenure.
“We also acknowledge your immense contribution to journalism through the GYB Annual Workshop for Correspondents and Editors,” the statement read. “The initiative has encouraged and trained no fewer than 200 media professionals per edition across Nigeria, focusing on developmental journalism and strengthening their writing abilities.”
The workshops featured seasoned media chiefs and professors of journalism as jury members for essay competitions, where participants received cash prizes and other incentives every year.
Accepting the award, Alhaji Bello expressed gratitude to the NUJ for the honour and pledged to continue supporting journalists’ welfare. Speaking through Senator Smart Adeyemi, the former governor commended the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the results were already visible across the nation. He also stated that Kogi State, under the stewardship of Governor Usman Ododo, would deliver a 100 per cent victory for the President in the 2027 presidential election, leaving no room for the opposition.
Earlier, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, urged the media to take the lead in promoting narratives that reflect Nigeria’s democratic progress and unity. Representing President Tinubu at the NUJ’s 70th anniversary gala in Abuja, he reaffirmed the administration’s deep commitment to press freedom and ethical journalism.
He stressed the need for the media to highlight democratic milestones, institutional reforms and national development, while cautioning against the risks of disinformation and misuse of generative AI.
The Minister announced plans for a Category-2 UNESCO-backed Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja and pledged continued support for the welfare and digital capacity of media professionals.
The colourful anniversary and awards night was graced by numerous dignitaries, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who represented President Tinubu, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare. The Governors of Kano, Gombe, Ondo, Oyo, Bauchi, Imo, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states were also represented by their deputies, underscoring the significance of the event across Nigeria.
