The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has commissioned the first-ever table tennis board of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, describing the initiative as a symbol of the strong and cordial relationship between the police and the media.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano, attracted journalists, security personnel and other key stakeholders.
CP Bakori commended members of the Correspondents’ Chapel for their professionalism and balanced reportage, stressing that effective policing depends largely on constructive engagement with the media.
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“Policing cannot succeed without journalists. You are our partners and our image. Your reports are always balanced, and whenever issues arise, we sit together and resolve them,”
The Police Commissioner noted that informal engagements, including sporting activities, help deepen trust, enhance communication and strengthen mutual understanding between journalists and security agencies.
According to him, such collaboration has contributed significantly to sustaining relative peace and security in Kano State.
“Kano remains one of the safest states in the country. Crime rates have continued to decline, and banditry around border communities has been curtailed through cooperation with critical stakeholders, including the media,”
In his remarks, Chairman of the Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Mr. Murtala Adewale, described the unveiling of the table tennis board as a historic milestone and the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream of the chapel.
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He explained that the initiative was aimed at promoting the physical and mental well-being of journalists, noting that the profession is characterised by stress, long working hours and demanding conditions.
“A healthy body supports a sharp mind. Sports and recreational activities help journalists remain focused, energetic and resilient in the course of their duties,”
He also called for the revival of the National NUJ Games, which he said had been suspended for over a decade, stressing that such events promote unity, fitness and professional bonding among journalists across the country.
He urged members to make effective use of the facility and announced plans to organise a table tennis tournament for chapel members.
Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council, Alhaji Suleiman Dederi, represented by his Vice Chairman, Mr. Mustapha Gambo, described the commissioning as a milestone for the Correspondents’ Chapel and the union at large.
He encouraged other NUJ chapels to emulate initiatives that promote journalists’ welfare, health and unity.
Former national officer of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mallam Malikawa Garu, and Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano State Chapter, Hajiya Bahijja Kabara, also commended the initiative, describing it as a move that would foster unity, professionalism and healthy competition among journalists.
The event climaxed with a novelty table tennis match between CP Ibrahim Bakori and the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, drawing applause and excitement from journalists and invited guests.