2nd Anniversary: Jigawa NUJ Hails Namadi's Giant Strides

By Ali Rabi'u Ali Jigawa

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Jigawa State Council has extended heartfelt congratulations to Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar A. Namadi, on his second anniversary in office.

In two years, Governor Namadi's administration has launched numerous pro-people projects throughout the state, showcasing his effective management of both material and human resources. 

The NUJ is particularly impressed by the significant achievements realized under his leadership during this period.

As the Fourth Estate of the Realm and a vigilant watchdog of society, we have been closely monitoring the remarkable progress his administration has made across various sectors, notably in food security, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, healthcare delivery, education reform, and security enhancement. Your commitment to these vital areas is commendable.

The NUJ Jigawa State Council is especially impressed by the transformation of Jigawa into a fully mechanized farming state. 

The establishment of Farms Mechanization Limited and the recent procurement of 300 tractors for distribution to farmers are significant milestones that will revitalize agriculture in the state. 

This initiative is crucial for ensuring food security and creating sustainable employment opportunities. We urge you to ensure that this equipment is delivered to genuine farmers to achieve the intended goals.

Furthermore, we commend your efforts for the recruitment of staff into critical areas such as education and health. This strategic move is essential for ensuring that Jigawa has qualified and experienced civil servants.

As working journalists and societal watchdogs, we appeal to His Excellency to consider recruiting additional personnel for the Information and Public Relations Cadre, as well as at Jigawa State Broadcasting Corporation and State owned Television, due to the substantial staff retirements that currently threaten the functionality of the Information and Public Relations Cadre and the operations of the two media stations. 

We however urge you to enhance the welfare and working conditions of journalists in Jigawa State.

Under your leadership, significant strides have been made to improve the welfare of workers within the state, including timely payment of salaries and retirement benefits for both state and local government workers. 

These actions have positively impacted the lives of both active employees and retirees. The implementation of a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, the establishment of palliative shops to provide essential food items, and various interventions, including the Workers Agricultural Support Programme, underline your commitment to food security and poverty alleviation. 

Additionally, your investment of over ₦7.6 billion into the Contributory Pension Scheme demonstrates your dedication to addressing financial stability for pensioners.

"We encourage you to remain steadfast in your focus amid challenges, as history will recognize you as a governor who propelled the state towards sustainable development".

"As we wish Governor Umar Namadi a successful and prosperous tenure in office, we look forward to a strengthened relationship between the Jigawa State Government and the Press".

Comrade Ismail Ibrahim Dutse                  Comrade Aisha Ahmed

Chairman, NUJ                                        Secretary, NUJ