The Katsina State Governor, Umaru Dikko Radda, Ph.D, CON has been honoured with Special Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria Award by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for being a Workers and Media Friendly Governor for year 2024.
The Recognition Media Icons Award was presented to Governor Dikko Radda who was physically present at the occasion by the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ), Dr. Chris Isiguzo, MFR at the third edition of the annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria Awards held on Thursday October 17th, 2024 at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
Governor Dikko Radda in his address after he received the award from the NUJ President said that he was deeply honoured and profoundly grateful to received this prestigious award and that the recognition from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is not just a person’s milestone but a testament to the power of Journalism in shaping the society and advancing the value we hold dearly and that it was a privilege and honour to be in Lagos which he described as the headquarters of Nigeria Journalism to be part of event.
Governor Radda urged members of the Journalism Profession at all time to practice “Professional Journalism which he said was a catalyst to nation’s development and promotes good governance, transparency and accountability at all levels of government.
The Governor disclosed that “As a scholar and politician I have believed that Journalism is the backbone of democracy, it empowers Individuals, holds the power accountable and foster informed decisions. I’m proud to be part of the community that dedicates itself to truth – seeking advocacy and together let us uphold the principle of freedom of expression and works towards a brighter for the nation.
Governor Radda said that he was proud and fulfilled to be honoured among Veteran Journalists who have distinguished themselves in their chosen career and contributed immensely to the growth and economic development of the nation.
The Chairman of the day, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye who thanked and congratulated the Governor of Katsina State and his Akwa – Ibom State counterpart adviced the two governors not to leave the Press alone and see them as their partners in progress. He said they will assist them in their sustainable development programmes and that there can not be a sustainable development without a free press.
The Chairman said the government needs the press more than they need them as they will assist to stop or curtail the excesses of the social media which in many times has turned into social disaster, social disorder in our system and appealed to Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) Katsina State and Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) Akwa Ibom State to work with the governors and for the government to work with them.
Twenty – five Veteran Journalists who were carefully selected across the Country were honoured at the event. Those honoured include: Former Deputy – Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Moses Ekpo, Dean of Nigeria Journalism, Pa Jola Ogunlusi who recently celebrated 90th years birthday, Pa Felix Adenaike, Ms, Comfort Obi, Mrs Bis Amagada, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Comrade Ini Ememobong, Mrs. Comfort Umanah, HRH Exe Geo Anika among others
The highlights of the epoch event was the presentation of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons Plaque to the Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Radda PHD, CON and his Akwa Ibom State Counterpart, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for being Workers/ Media Friendly Governor and Media Friendly Governor respectively.
Governor Dikko Radda Phd, CON dedicated the Award to his Mentor, late President Umoru Musa Yar’dua, his family, colleagues and good people of Katsina State who gave him the mandate to be their governor. Governor Umo Eno represented by his Deputy Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who received the award on his behalf, described the media as partners in progress.
