Hussaina Yakubu
The leading candidate for the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council Chairmanship, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, has pledged to prioritize training and lifetime welfare for members if elected.
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Speaking at the official flag-off of the “Rescue Kaduna NUJ” campaign held at the NUJ Secretariat on Wednesday, Alabelewe emphasized his commitment to leveraging government relationships to provide tangible support for journalists in the state.
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“My leadership will be anchored on unity, transparency, efficiency, capability, and inclusiveness, irrespective of age, gender, or religion,” he stated.
“We will ensure our members no longer have to linger around tea and yam sellers by the roadside. Every professional journalist will have access to opportunities under my administration.
“You can hold me accountable for the council’s finances at the end of my tenure. By God’s grace, I will surpass the record of former Council Chairman Chief Fadason, who left over one million naira in the NUJ Kaduna coffers.
As the former Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, I have demonstrated my ability to deliver.”
Some of the stakeholders who spoke at the event , Mr. Chimieze Onyocha expressed confidence in Alabelewe’s leadership, stating, “The product we sold to you three years ago has expired.
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According to him, a new landlord will take over on Monday, and this incoming leader will be sworn in during the day by a certified lawyer. Let’s work together to move Kaduna NUJ forward.”
Former NUJ Presidential Candidate, Mr. Garba Muhammad, also endorsed Alabelewe, describing him as the ideal leader for the council.
“The current state of the NUJ Council is pathetic. We need a leader who respects us and can restore the dignity of this council. On December 16, I will be here for the swearing-in of our new Chairman, Abdulgafar.”
Former Chairmanship Aspirant, Comrade Iliyasu Suleman, added, “We are united in seeking justice and fairness.
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According to him, Abdulgafar has proven to be the leader who can reunite us as a family and bring about the change Kaduna NUJ deserves.”
Speaking also Comrade Yusuf Idris, the NUJ Zonal Vice President, praised the campaign’s success, urging everyone to support Alabelewe’s candidacy.
The NAWOJ Chairperson also declared her support, saying, “Abdulgafar and Santos is our choice. Come Monday, December 16, we will celebrate his victory.”
Former Kaduna Council Chairman, Adamu Yusuf, expressed his alignment with the Abdulgafar and Gambo camp saying that this is where he belong
On his part, Umar Sarkin-Fada, the Director General of the Gafar Gambo Santos team, thanked supporters for the massive turnout at the flag-off campaign.
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“The overwhelming crowd has sent a clear message,” he concluded.
According to him, the stage is set for the December 16, 2024, election, as Abdulgafar Alabelewe remains a favourite to assume leadership and drive transformative progress in the Kaduna NUJ Council.
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