My journey into the politics of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) began shortly after the 2003 general elections, when I was posted to Yola as a Correspondent for Radio Nigeria.
As I was settling into my new assignment, the tenure of the Correspondents’ Chapel executive expired, and preparations for a new election commenced.
Although colleagues strongly encouraged me to contest for the position of Chapel Chairman, I initially declined. However, after sustained persuasion, I agreed to run for the office of Vice Chairman, a position I contested and won unopposed.
I served alongside the late Abel Orih Idoma of blessed memory, who was the Chapel Chairman at the time.
Fate soon intervened when Abel was transferred from Yola to Benue State. Consequently, I automatically assumed the position of Chapel Chairman, serving from 2005 through the period of the 2007 general elections.
My tenure was eventful and enriching, marked by interactions with high-profile journalists, including the late Abdullahi “No Sweat” and many others too numerous to mention.
A similar, and what I would describe as a miraculous, scenario unfolded in Kano. Following the 2007 general elections, I was transferred from Yola to Kano.
Once again, members of the Correspondents’ Chapel prevailed on me to contest for the chairmanship. Despite my initial reluctance, I heeded the call and was elected unopposed.
After serving as Chairman of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel for about a year, a vacancy arose at the Kano State Council of the NUJ during the leadership of the late Abduljalal Haruna. Stakeholders urged me to contest for the position of Vice Chairman of the Council. This time, however, the contest was anything but smooth.
I faced a formidable opponent a son of the soil from the State Information Chapel. The campaign was intense and grueling, taking me across virtually every chapel within the Kano NUJ.
At the end of the day, I emerged victorious by a razor-thin margin of just two votes. The contest was challenging, and I endured significant pressure due to the influence wielded by my opponent. How I eventually won remains, to me, nothing short of a miracle.
My tenure at the State Council further exposed me to the true meaning of service and sacrifice within the journalism profession an assignment I firmly believe was ordained for me by God Almighty.
Today, I thank God for seeing me through these experiences and transitions. I am deeply humbled to have been recognized as one of the former Chairmen of the Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ. I sincerely appreciate the present Executive Committee of the Chapel for the honor bestowed on me and other former Chairmen.
This recognition is a thoughtful and commendable gesture, one I truly cherish. I remain grateful to the current Exco for keeping the spirit of the Chapel alive and for honoring the legacy of those who served before them.