Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor
…Commends Journalists for Objective Reportage

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has awarded Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum with its prestigious media friendly award.

The event was held on Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Abuja, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Union.

Zulum had won multiple award in the past owing to his outstanding achievements and style of leadership. Some of the earlier awards were the NUJ Good Governance Award, 2024; NUJ most promising first term governor in 2019; Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, 2024, among others.

In his remark shortly after receiving the award, Governor Zulum, represented by his acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, expressed gratitude to the Union for the recognition bestowed on him as the “Media-Friendly Governor”.

He said: “This award is not just an accolade for me personally, but a testament to the thriving partnership between Borno State Government and the media. It underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where a free, vibrant and responsible press can flourish.”

He remarked that the NUJ, for decades has stood as a bulwark for truth, a voice for the voiceless, and a critical pillar of our democracy, performing their core function of informing, educating and holding leadership accountable, which has in a no small measure shaped the nation’s narrative and guide its progress.

“In Borno State, we have witnessed firsthand the invaluable role journalists play, often at great personal risk, in bringing to light the challenges we face and celebrate our resilience,” he stressed.

Zulum described the media as an ‘indispensable ally’, emphasizing that their objective reportage helps to communicate his administration’s effort, address misconceptions, and gather vital feedback from the populace. We believe that a well-informed citizenry is essential for good governance and sustainable development.

“On this significant anniversary, i reaffirmed my commitment to supporting the media in Borno State and beyond. I congratulate the NUJ on 70 years of impactful service to Nigeria. May your noble profession continue to thrive, and may you continue to be a beacon of truth and integrity,” the governor added.

The governor also used the opportunity to urge the NUJ and media professionals to take full advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in the areas of automation of routine tasks, personalization and audience engagement, efficiency and speed, and be wary of misinformation, disinformation and ethical concerns.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, who represented President Bola Tinubu pledged to continue to uphold the principles of freedom of speech and the media.

“I want to reassure you, that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to uphold and advance policies that promote media freedom and to partner with NUJ to changing media landscape in the country,” he promised.

The acting Chief of Staff was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Alhaji Aminu Chamalwa.

The NUJ at 70 anniversary award was graced by many distinguished personalities including deputy governors of Kano, Bauchi, Oyo and Ondo states, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, Heads of federal media establishments, past presidents of the Union, veteran journalists and media professionals across the country.

Zulum Gets NUJ Media Friendly Governor

Thousands Troop Out in Abuja to Celebrate International Yoga Day

By: Michael Mike

Thousands of people trooped to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja to celebrate the 11th Edition of the International Yoga Day.

The first celebration of the Yoga Day took place In 2015 and since then the day has grown into a global movement promoting health, harmony and peace.

Speaking at the occasion at the weekend in Abuja, the acting High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Ms. Vartika Rawat said this year we come together under the theme: “Yoga for one Earth, One Health,” resonates deeply I our current era, where health of our planet and our personal wellbeing are intricately intertwined.

She added that: “By practicing Yoga, we not only nurture our bodies and minds but also contribute to the well-being of the Earth and a sustainable future.”

She noted that Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to unite’, teaches the importance of balance and harmony. “It encourages us to live in alignment with nature, promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness. Yoga is more than just physical postures; it is a holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

“In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and lifestyle diseases are rampant, yoga offers a sanctuary of peace and healing,” noting that regular practice of yoga enhances flexibility,strength, and balance. It improves cardiovascular health, boosts immunity, and aids in the management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Moreover, yoga’s emphasis on mindfulness and mediation helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering a sense of inner peace and emotional stability.”

She advised the government of Nigeria to ensure that the benefits of yoga are accessible to all.”

Thousands Troop Out in Abuja to Celebrate International Yoga Day

Police repel bandit attack in Katsina, rescue six kidnapped farmers

By: Zagazola Makama

The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the successful rescue of six kidnapped farmers following a foiled banditry attack at Kwari Manaja Forest in Sabuwa Local Government Area.

Police sources said the incident occurred on June 21 at about 5:41 p.m. when armed men suspected to be bandits attacked farmers working on their respective farmlands.

The sources said that upon receiving the distress report, the DPO swiftly mobilised police tactical teams and led a convoy of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol vehicles to the scene.

The police operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.

As a result of the operation, the following victims were rescued unhurt: Ayuba, 51; Mubarak, 23; Garba, 25; Ibrahim, 21; Bala, 28; and Nura, 25 all males from Tashar Nadaya Village.

The police sources said no casualties were recorded among the rescued victims, and efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Police repel bandit attack in Katsina, rescue six kidnapped farmers