Governors Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State and Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State have been honoured with the prestigious “Media-Friendly Governor Award” by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in recognition of their outstanding commitment to press freedom, open governance and strategic media engagement.
The awards were presented during the NUJ’s 70th Anniversary Gala, Book Presentation and Award Night, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Saturday.
The event, chaired by veteran journalist and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba, brought together leading figures from the media industry, government, and civil society to celebrate seven decades of NUJ’s role in shaping democracy and promoting professionalism in journalism.
Governor Zulum, represented by his Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, expressed gratitude to the Union for the recognition.
“This award is not just an accolade for me personally, but a testament to the thriving partnership between Borno State Government and the media,” Zulum said. “It underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where a free, vibrant and responsible press can flourish.”
He praised the NUJ for being a bulwark of truth and a pillar of democracy for the past 70 years, adding that journalists in Borno State have played a crucial role in reporting both the challenges and resilience of the people, often at personal risk.
Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s support for a free press and urged media professionals to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency, audience engagement, and ethical journalism. He warned against the dangers of misinformation and emphasized the need for responsible use of emerging technologies in the newsroom.
Similarly, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Water and Forest Resources, Hon. Mohammed Saidu Fawu, said the award was a humbling recognition of his administration’s efforts to promote transparency, open communication, and responsible journalism in Gombe State.
“I dedicate this award to the tireless media professionals in Gombe State who continue to uphold truth, transparency, and the principles of responsible journalism,” Yahaya stated. “We will continue to work together to build a better society through open dialogue and accountability.”
He congratulated the NUJ on reaching the 70-year milestone and commended NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, for steering the Union with professionalism and integrity.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding press freedom and supporting the evolving needs of media practitioners in Nigeria.
“The administration of President Tinubu will continue to promote policies that support media freedom and partner with the NUJ in adapting to the fast-changing media landscape,” the Minister said.
NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, in his address, said the awards to Governors Zulum, Inuwa Yahaya, and other recipients were in recognition of their consistent contributions to the development of journalism and society.
Other governors honoured at the event include those of Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Imo, Kano, Ondo, and Oyo States.
Governor Zulum was accompanied by his Special Adviser on Media, Malam Dauda Iliya, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Alhaji Aminu Chamalwa.
The high-profile ceremony was attended by deputy governors, presidential aides, heads of federal media establishments, past NUJ presidents, veteran journalists, and distinguished media professionals from across the country.
