NUJ appoints Gov. Idris Grand Patron

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has appointed Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi as its Grand Patron for the state council.

A statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday by Malam Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, said the NUJ National President, Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya-Abdullahi, presented the certificate to Gov. Idris in Abuja, formalising the appointment.

Conveying the message, the president said the honour was conferred in recognition of the governor’s outstanding contributions to unionism and the general wellbeing of the people.

“This investiture is a resolution of the NUJ National Executive Council (NEC), honouring someone who has paid his dues in unionism and struggles.

“We believe Gov. Idris will continue to achieve more, especially now as the governor of Kenya,” he said.

Yahaya-Abdullahi commended the governor’s policies and projects, particularly in infrastructure and traditional institution development.

“As journalists, we monitor leaders, and I must commend you for your wonderful achievements.

“Your efforts in integrating and empowering traditional institutions by providing funds for renovating Emirates are commendable.

“We acknowledged your inclusive approach to governance that even opposition parties in the state aligned with your developmental policies,” the president noted.

In his response, Gov. Idris expressed gratitude to the NUJ leadership for the honour, assuring his administration’s collaborative relationship with the union.

“This is historic, as it is the first award I have received in 2025.

“Kebbi is a labour-friendly state led by a comrade governor, and I assure you of our continued partnership,” the governor said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Idris, a seasoned labour leader, traced his journey from serving as State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to becoming the Deputy National President of the NLC and President of the NUT. (NAN)