Katsina Times
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, has inaugurated its Online Media Chapel, with Abubakar Shafi’i emerging as its pioneer chairman.
The inauguration, held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the NUJ Secretariat, Layout, Kofar Kaura, Katsina, also saw the swearing-in of Mustapha Saddiq from Katsina Post as Secretary and Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar From Katsina Times as Treasurer.
The event attracted journalists, government officials, representatives of security agencies, media stakeholders and other dignitaries.
The Katsina State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Bala Salisu Zango, who represented Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, congratulated the new leadership and described the establishment of the chapel as a step towards accommodating the changing dynamics of journalism.
He urged members not to regard the new chapter as a rival to existing NUJ structures, but as an additional platform to strengthen the union and promote professional journalism.
Zango called on online journalists to uphold professional ethics, avoid publishing fake news and unverified information, and maintain fairness, objectivity and accountability in their reports.
He reaffirmed the state government's readiness to collaborate with journalists in promoting the development of Katsina State, stressing the need for cooperation between the government and media practitioners.
The commissioner also urged journalists to embrace development journalism and use their platforms to promote public awareness and sustainable development.
In his remarks, the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Aminu Garba Dandagoro, said the inauguration marked an important milestone in the council's efforts to accommodate practitioners in the growing online media sector.
He explained that the initiative was not intended to create division or competition within the union, but to provide an organised platform for online journalists to participate in its activities.
Dandagoro urged members to uphold accuracy, fairness, accountability and ethical standards, while prioritising professional training and capacity building.
He warned against fake news, sensationalism, character assassination and the publication of unverified information, adding that the success of the chapel would depend on the quality and credibility of journalism it promotes.
The chairman of the occasion, Professor Sani Abubakar Lugga, represented by Malam Ahmad Abdulkadir Bakori, described the inauguration as a recognition of the changing nature of journalism and the growing influence of digital media.
Lugga recalled an article he published on Facebook on September 21, 2025, titled "The Thinking Professional Belonging to Online Journalists," in which he advocated the inclusion of genuine online journalism practitioners in the NUJ.
He said the expansion of digital publishing had created a new generation of journalists whose professional activities were not adequately accommodated within traditional media structures.
However, he cautioned that the recognition of online journalists should not lead to a relaxation of professional standards or automatic admission of everyone operating social media accounts into the union.
He urged the new chapel to promote mentorship, professional development, peer review and ethical online publishing.
Lugga also called for stronger collaboration between conventional broadcasting organisations and digital media platforms, saying both sectors should complement one another.
The Permanent Secretary of the Katsina State Ministry of Information, Tukur Hassan Ɗan Ali, who is also a former NUJ State Chairman, said the idea of establishing the online media chapter originated during his tenure as chairman of the union.
He expressed satisfaction that the initiative had materialised under the leadership of his successor, Dandagoro, describing online journalism as a natural development in the media industry rather than a threat to conventional journalism.
Similarly, the Hakimin Ketare and Kanwan Katsina, Alhaji Bello UK Kankara, urged the new leadership to establish clear rules and regulations to guide the chapter's operations.
He recommended the appointment of a legal adviser, the establishment of disciplinary procedures and the introduction of regular financial contributions by members to support the chapter's activities.
Kankara also emphasised transparency in financial management, recommending that expenditure should involve the chairman, treasurer and secretary. He further called for the provision of an office and other necessary administrative facilities.
Dr Abdullahi Aliyu Yar'adua, PhD, described the inauguration as a timely development, saying online media practitioners operating public and privately owned platforms should be accommodated within the professional union.
He said journalism remained essential to society because of its responsibility to gather and communicate information to the public.
Yar'adua, who identified himself as a founding member of Katsina Post and Mobile Media Crew, expressed support for the inclusion of digital media practitioners in the NUJ.
The Chairman of Katsina State Radio, Lawal Attahiru Bakori, urged the new executives to build the chapter on a solid foundation and seek guidance from experienced professionals and senior media practitioners.
The member representing Katsina Local Government Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar Albaba, advised the new chapter to emulate the organisational and disciplinary structures of the conventional media chapel.
He called on aspiring journalists to acquire formal education and professional training, stressing the distinction between professional journalists and social media influencers who publish information without necessarily observing established journalistic standards.
Albaba also recommended a structured training programme lasting several months to equip aspiring journalists and new members with the necessary professional skills and practical experience.
In a message delivered on behalf of the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, the National Vice-President, Zone A, Comrade Abdulrazaq Kaura, urged the new executives to uphold the union's constitution and professional ethics.
Kaura warned against misinformation, disinformation and fake news, noting that the irresponsible use of digital platforms could undermine public trust, threaten security and disrupt peaceful coexistence.
He called for the immediate establishment of an Ethics and Disciplinary Committee to monitor members' conduct and ensure compliance with professional standards.
He further stressed that freedom of expression must be exercised with respect for the privacy, dignity and rights of individuals.
The NUJ National Vice-President also urged members to embrace continuous professional development and use their platforms to promote peace, unity and development.
The inauguration ended with the administration of the oath of office to the newly elected executives, formally ushering them into their respective positions within the NUJ Katsina State Council.
The establishment of the chapel is expected to provide an organised platform for online media practitioners in the state and strengthen professional standards, ethical journalism and cooperation within the media industry.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!