The Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has unveiled its first Cooperative Society and inaugurated eminent personalities as trustees, marking a significant step toward strengthening members’ welfare and financial stability.
The unveiling ceremony, held on Saturday at the Press Centre in Kano, also featured the launch of the Chapel’s maiden Ramadan food distribution programme for its members.
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Those inaugurated as trustees include Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, spokesperson to the Kano State Governor, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Mai Mota.
Speaking at the event, former Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council and National Trustee, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, highlighted the longstanding importance of cooperative societies in Nigeria’s economic and cultural development.
He noted that cooperative models have historically played vital roles across professional bodies, trade unions and public institutions.
Abbas advised the Chapel to prioritise sound financial management and proper record keeping rather than relying solely on salary deductions, stressing that sustainability depends on transparency and accountability. He also urged continuous sensitisation of members on cooperative principles.
The Kano State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, represented by the ministry’s Director of Cooperatives, Alhaji Najib Dahiru Alkali, reaffirmed government support for cooperative societies.
He described cooperatives as critical tools for grassroots economic development and emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency, capacity building and compliance with legal frameworks.
Chairman of the Cooperative Trustees, Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, commended the Correspondents’ Chapel leadership for introducing welfare-driven initiatives, including tea breaks, retreats and other programmes aimed at improving members’ wellbeing.
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He expressed optimism that the cooperative would help address financial challenges and reduce ethical pressures often faced by journalists.
The NUJ Chairman, represented by Vice Chairman Comrade Mustapha Gambo Muhammad, praised the Chapel’s leadership for fulfilling campaign promises and implementing meaningful programmes. He urged members to support the initiative to ensure its sustainability.
Chairman of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Murtala Adewale, described the cooperative’s unveiling as a historic milestone.
He revealed that the initiative was conceived during the leadership’s manifesto presentation in July 2025 and later actualised through collective efforts.
According to him, the Kano State Government provided a seed fund of N10 million to support the cooperative, while about N3 million has been allocated for the procurement and distribution of Ramadan food items.
He noted that each member is eligible to access up to N100,000 worth of food items or a combination of food and cash support under flexible repayment terms.
Adewale said the cooperative was designed to promote a savings culture, provide access to soft loans and offer financial support to members during difficult times.
“A financially secure journalist is more confident and independent. When there is no food on our table, the tendency to compromise increases while productivity declines,” he said.
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In his vote of thanks, Malam Abdullahi Malam described the initiative as timely and impactful, expressing optimism that it would help ease economic hardship among members. Veteran journalist Bashir Mohammed and other stakeholders also commended the Chapel’s leadership, describing the cooperative and Ramadan food programme as visionary welfare initiatives.