Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, yesterday, received in audience the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, at the Government House.
During the visit, Governor Inuwa Yahaya lauded the NUJ President for his purposeful leadership since assuming office, describing his stewardship as both visionary and impactful.
He pledged continued support and collaboration with the NUJ President to ensure the success of his tenure, particularly in promoting press freedom and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The Governor also assured that the state government would give due attention to the completion of a befitting NUJ State Secretariat in Gombe, while also extending support to national media organizations operating in the state.
He commended journalists in Gombe for their professionalism and constructive engagement, acknowledging the critical role the media plays in democratic governance and national development.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also expressed appreciation to the NUJ for conferring on him the ‘Media-Friendly Governor Award’ at the union’s recent 70th Anniversary celebration in Abuja, describing the recognition as an encouragement to continue fostering transparency, accountability, and media engagement in governance.
Earlier, NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahya expressed profound gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his support, which he said contributed significantly to his emergence as the Union’s National President.
He hailed the Governor for his people-oriented projects and programmes across various sectors, particularly in healthcare; a sector the NUJ President noted as being close to his heart.
“Your Excellency, you have not only kept to your campaign promises in the healthcare and other seniors, but have also continued to maintain a strong and respectful relationship with the media, which is highly commendable,” Comrade Alhassan stated.
The NUJ President reiterated the need for the completion of the NUJ Secretariat in Gombe and revealed that the Union is considering the state as a host for one of its upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meetings.
He used the visit to brief the Governor on his recent engagements with key national figures including the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu and the Senate President, Sen. Godwil Akpabio during which discussions were held on strengthening national unity and security, with a call for journalists to continue playing a role in peace-building efforts.
He pledged to remain an ambassador of Gombe State wherever he finds himself, assuring of a more robust partnership between the media and government in the interest of transparency, good governance and national development.
