One Year of Purposeful Leadership: A Stewardship of Impact at NUJ Sokoto State Council

One Year of Purposeful Leadership: A Stewardship of Impact at NUJ Sokoto State Council

By Usman Mohammed Binji
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council
Leadership is best measured not by rhetoric, but by results. One year after assuming office as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, our collective journey reflects a conscious commitment to journalists’ welfare, professional capacity building, institutional visibility, and strategic engagement—even in the face of economic and operational challenges.

From January to December 2025, the NUJ Sokoto State Council pursued a people-centred and reform-driven agenda anchored on service, collaboration, and accountability.

Welfare-Driven Interventions
In January 2025, the Council partnered with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to secure 100 bags of rice, sold to members at subsidised rates to ease financial pressure amid economic hardship.

In March 2025, the Council marked World Glaucoma Day through a free eye screening programme in partnership with the UDUTH Department of Ophthalmology, providing screenings, medications, and reading glasses affirming that the wellbeing of journalists remains non-negotiable.

Capacity Building and Professional Development

In April 2025,the Council organised a Digital Literacy Workshop in collaboration with Iconic Open University, themed “Emerging Technologies: Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Journalism,” equipping members with essential digital skills for modern newsroom realities.
The Council actively participated in a two-day workshop on women’s roles in democratic reforms, organised by WRAPA and NAWOJ, with support from the MacArthur Foundation, reinforcing gender inclusion in media leadership.

In May 2025,50 journalists benefited from specialised training on Combating Violent Extremism, facilitated through collaboration with the Office of the SSA to the Governor on Strategic Communications under the NEYIF programme.

In October 2025,with the support of the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the Council successfully delivered a capacity-building workshop on Investigative Journalism in the Digital Era, strengthening accountability journalism in the state.
Strategic Advocacy and National Engagement

At the NUJ NEC Meeting and NUJ @70 celebration in Abuja, the Sokoto Council advocated for the establishment of an International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) Centre in Sokoto State, a proposal that received NEC approval in principle.

The Council further reinforced Sokoto’s visibility through participation at NEC meetings in Kano and the National Media Summit in Jalingo, Taraba State.

Institutional Visibility and Stakeholder Relations

The Council maintained constructive engagement with key institutions through courtesy visits by senior security and correctional officials, including the Defence Headquarters Spokesperson and the Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, underscoring growing institutional trust and relevance.

The Council also participated in civic engagements such as the ASUU UDUS Town Hall Meeting, positioning journalists as central actors in public discourse.

Accountability Journalism and Project Monitoring
In November 2025, the Council embarked on a statewide projects monitoring tour, inspecting completed and ongoing projects executed by Governor Ahmed Aliyu and selected local government councils, reaffirming journalism’s watchdog role and commitment to evidence-based reporting.

Sports, Solidarity, and Human Compassion

The Council participated in the Sokoto Professionals Network Tournament, promoting camaraderie and unity beyond the newsroom.

Plans are underway to organize NUJ Media Games to revive sporting culture among members.
Looking Ahead

The Council continues to pursue expanded partnerships with government and development actors.

Conclusion

One year in office, the NUJ Sokoto State Council has demonstrated that vision, collaboration, and sincerity of purpose can translate into measurable impact. These achievements are not personal victories, but collective milestones made possible by the trust of members and the support of partners.
The journey continues with renewed commitment to professionalism, welfare, and the enduring ideals of journalism.

Usman Mohammed Binji
Chairman, NUJ Sokoto State Council
In service to truth, responsibility, and the Nigerian journalist.
ALHAMDULILLAH.

Popular posts from this blog

Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto Approves Tour Of Completed And Ongoing Projects

Image
Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto Approves Tour Of Completed And  Ongoing Projects  The Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has graciously approved a comprehensive Project Tour to be undertaken by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, across selected local government areas of the state. The week-long exercise is designed to enable journalists to assess, document, and report on completed and ongoing projects executed under the present administration as part of efforts to promote transparency and public awareness of government achievements. According to the itinerary released by the Union, the tour is scheduled to commence on Monday, November 10, 2025, with visits to Sokoto North and Sokoto South Local Government Areas.  The team will proceed to Wamakko and Kware on Tuesday, November 11, and then to Dange-Shuni and Bodinga on Wednesday, November 12. On Thursday, November 13, the journalists will inspect pro...
Read more

Gov, Aliyu Inaugurates SON's Newly Completed Complex, Vows To Enhance Local Production

Image
Gov, Aliyu Inaugurates SON's Newly Completed Complex, Vows To Enhance Local Production From Aminu Suleiman  The Sokoto State Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting policies that encourage industrial development, enhance local production,and attract investment into the state. Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto gave the assurance at the inauguration of the newly completed office complex of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), located in the Kasarawa area of the state. Speaking through his Deputy, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, the Governor said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and promoting quality assurance. Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the inauguration of the SON complex as a reflection of the deepening collaboration between the Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government in advancing quality infrastructure, industrial growth, and consumer protection...
Read more

NAHCON, Sokoto PWA To Collaborate For The Successful Conduct Of The 2026 Hajj Exercise

Image
NAHCON, Sokoto PWA To Collaborate For The Successful Conduct Of The 2026 Hajj Exercise From Aminu Suleiman   The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) are set to strengthen their collaboration for the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise and beyond.  This assurance was given by the Chairman of Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, during a courtesy visit by the newly posted NAHCON Zonal Director, Alhaji Mustapha Abbas. Alhaji Aliyu Musa expressed his commitment to fostering a closer working relationship between the Agency and NAHCON, emphasizing the importance of synergy in ensuring the welfare and successful participation of Sokoto State pilgrims in the Hajj. Responding, NAHCON Zonal Director Alhaji Mustapha Abbas assured of the Commission's continued support to the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.  He reiterated NAHCON's dedication to working with state agencies li...
Read more