The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, on Sunday night rolled out the red carpet for its 2025 Get-Together and Award Night, honouring past chairmen, veteran journalists, elevated members and steadfast friends of the Chapel for their enduring contributions to journalism and public service.
The colourful ceremony, held at Tahir Guests Palace, Nasarawa GRA, drew a distinguished mix of journalists, public office holders, academics and stakeholders, transforming the evening into both a reunion and a celebration of professional excellence.
Beyond the glamour, the event served as a rare convergence of former leaders of the Chapel—many now stationed across the country—and a moment to spotlight members who have risen to influential positions in public and professional life.
Welcoming guests, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Alhaji Murtala Adewale, described the night as historic, expressing gratitude to Allah (SWT) for making the gathering possible.
He noted that the 2025 edition stood out for reuniting 10 former chairmen, some with over three decades of experience in journalism.
“This occasion is special because it brings together former chairmen of the Chapel who are scattered across the country,” Adewale said.
“Many of them have spent more than 30 years in journalism. For those of us currently in leadership, it is both an honour and a privilege to celebrate them.”
According to him, the gathering was conceived as a moment of reflection—on the Chapel’s journey, its values and its service to humanity—while celebrating members whose professional paths have distinguished them.
“We are recognising our colleagues whom God has elevated in different spheres of life, as well as friends of the Chapel who have consistently stood with us,” he added.
The Chairman said the award night was dedicated to honouring the sacrifices of past leaders, acknowledging the loyalty of long-serving members and appreciating individuals who have remained committed to the Chapel over the years.
One of the highlights of the evening was the address by Barrister M. B. Shehu, member representing Fagge Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, who was honoured as a Friend of the Chapel. He used the platform to urge the Federal Government to revisit the tax reform law, stressing the need to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.
He also called on journalists and other public servants to remain steadfast in promoting national unity.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in her diversity,” Shehu said, describing the country as one indivisible nation beyond political, religious or ethnic lines.
The lawmaker praised the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel for what he described as a timely and impactful initiative.
Several eminent personalities were honoured as Friends of the Chapel, including former NUJ President and former Kano State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Muhammad Garba; Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule; Inuwa Waya; and Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, who was represented by the Managing Director of the National Productivity Commission, Hon. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi.
Others in the category include Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, and former House of Representatives member for Kano Municipal, Hon. Sha’aban Sharada.
The Chapel also celebrated its own, presenting awards to elevated members such as Babajide Otitoju, Jaafar Jaafar, publisher of Daily Nigerian; Associate Professor Rukaya Aliyu; and Comrade Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State.
Former chairmen and senior members honoured include Lamara Garba Azare, Yakubu Musa, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Tajuddeen Suleiman, Osa Director, Aminu Ahmed Garko, and Edwin Olofu.
In recognition of years of unwavering commitment to the profession, the Chapel presented Long Service Awards to veteran journalists Abdullahi Mallam Yusuf, Mohammed Kabir Ya’u, Mohammed Abdulsalam, Jacob Ajakaiye, Desmond Mbogh, Maduabuchi Jerry, and Ahmed Mohammed Soron Dinki.
The night ended on an uplifting note, with participants hailing the event as a fitting celebration of journalism, service, unity and professional excellence within the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel.
NUJ Kano Correspondents Celebrate Legacy, Service at Glamorous Award Night
