THE Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, on Sunday night held its 2025 Get-together and Award Night, honouring past chairmen, long-serving members, elevated colleagues and friends of the Chapel for their outstanding contributions to journalism and public service.
The well-attended ceremony took place at the Tahir Guests Palace,, Nasarawa GRA, Kano, drawing journalists, public office holders, academics and other stakeholders from across the state.
News Point Nigeria reports that the event served as a reunion for former leaders of the Chapel, many of whom are currently based in different parts of the country, as well as a platform to celebrate members who have risen to prominent positions in public and professional life.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Alhaji Murtala Adewale, expressed gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the successful hosting of the event, describing the occasion as historic and deeply symbolic.
According to him, the 2025 Award Night was unique for bringing together 10 former chairmen of the Chapel, some of whom have spent over three decades in the journalism profession.
“Today’s event is so unique that we brought together 10 former chairmen of the Chapel who are residing in different parts of the country,” Adewale said.
“Some of these men have been in journalism for more than 30 years. It is a great privilege for those of us currently occupying this position to meet and celebrate them.”
Adewale explained that the gathering was designed to reflect on the Chapel’s journey, celebrate excellence and showcase service to humanity.
“We are celebrating our members whom God has elevated to different areas of human endeavour, as well as our friends, friends of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, who identify with us at all times,” he added.
He noted that the night was dedicated to recognising the contributions of past leaders, rewarding the wisdom and loyalty of long-serving members, and appreciating individuals who have stood by the Chapel over the years.
Speaking at the event, Member representing Fagge Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Barrister M.B. Shehu, who was honoured as a Friend of the Chapel, used the platform to call on the Federal Government to reconsider the tax reform law in the interest of Nigerians.
He urged the leadership of the National Assembly to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves, noting its implications for citizens and businesses.
Shehu also advised public servants, particularly journalists, to continue to work towards the unity of Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s unity is born out of her diversity,” he said, adding that the country remains “one indivisible nation irrespective of political, religious or ethnic differences.”
The lawmaker commended the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel for organising what he described as a timely and impactful event.
Several prominent 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 (NPC), Hon. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi.
Others honoured in the category include Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and former House of Representatives member for Kano Municipal, Hon. Sha’aban Sharada.
Awards were also presented to elevated members of the Chapel, among them 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.
Additionally, former chairmen and/or elevated members honoured include Lamara Garba Azare, Yakubu Musa, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Tajuddeen Suleiman, Osa Director, Aminu Ahmed Garko, and Edwin Olofu.
The Chapel also recognised veteran journalists with Long Service Awards for their years of dedication to the profession. The recipients include Abdullahi Mallam Yusuf, Mohammed Kabir Ya’u, Mohammed Abdulsalam, Jacob Ajakaiye, Desmond Mbogh, Maduabuchi Jerry, and Ahmed Mohammed Soron Dinki.
The event ended on a high note, with attendees describing it as a fitting tribute to journalism, service, unity and professional excellence within the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel.