NUJ Presidency: Alhassan Yahya’s Aspiration Gathers Momentum
By Najib Sani
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) presidency has become keenly contested, but Alhassan Yahya’s candidacy continues to gain traction.
Yahya hails from Gombe State but has national acceptance due to his popularity, relationship and integrity earned for himself over the years.
Recent endorsements from the Lagos and Gombe State councils have significantly added value to his bid, given him advantage over his contenders as well as positioned him as a frontrunner.
Yahya boasts an impressive track record, having served as a two-term Gombe State Council chairman, zonal vice president and deputy national president. His extensive experience demonstrates his dedication and leadership prowess.
During his tenure as Gombe State Council chairman, Yahya facilitated the construction of a secretariat, a milestone achievement for the council. This accomplishment showcases his ability to drive progress and improve the wellbeing of his members.
Yahya embodies essential attributes, including integrity, humility, repute and generosity. His unwavering commitment to ethical journalism, approachable nature and respect among professional colleagues and stakeholders make him an exceptional candidate.
Yahya’s vision for the NUJ focuses on strengthening professional development, enhancing media practitioners’ welfare, fostering unity and cooperation among members and promoting journalism’s role in national development. His leadership will undoubtedly bring positive change and progress within the union.
The Lagos council’s endorsement (in the southern part) is a testament of Yahya’s suitability, while the Gombe State council’s endorsement (his home state) indicates his solid leadership credentials, commitment to advancing journalism nationwide and dedication to media practitioners’ growth.
“The Lagos Council of NUJ adopted Yahya and Abimbola Oyetunde for the posts of President and Deputy President respectively at the forthcoming Triennial Delegates Conference scheduled for Owerri in November,” the council said in communique issued at the end of its latest monthly congress.
Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli when he accompanied Yahya to submit nomination form in Abuja, noted that Yahya’s leadership has positively impacted journalism in Gombe and beyond.
Apart from the official endorsements, journalists in several states across the country have been endorsing and rallying behind him.
Yahya’s candidacy inspires hope among journalists seeking effective leadership. His election as president will unite the union, amplify journalists’ voices, uphold journalism’s core values and drive progress and innovation. As the Triennial Delegates Conference approaches in November, Yahya’s momentum continues to build, making him the ideal candidate to lead the Nigeria Union of Journalists forward.
Najib, wrote from Gombe, Gombe State via: najibsani21@gmail.com
