Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi from Gombe State has emerged as the new President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
According to reports, Abdullahi secured the position during the 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference held in Owerri, Imo State.
He achieved a decisive victory, polling 436 votes, while his opponents, Dele Atunbi of the FCT Council and Muhammed Garba of the Kaduna Council, garnered 97 and 39 votes, respectively.
A member of the Gombe Media Corporation (GMC), Abdullahi previously served as the National Deputy President of the NUJ and succeeds Chris Isiguzo in the union’s leadership.
In addition, Abimbola Oyetunde, a Deputy Director at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), was elected unopposed as the Deputy National President.
In his acceptance speech, Abdullahi pledged to prioritize the welfare and interests of NUJ members, uphold press freedom, and ensure high standards in journalism. He emphasized fostering collaboration with stakeholders to create a safe and conducive environment for journalists while advocating for their rights and protection.
“My administration will focus on capacity-building initiatives, including workshops, training, and mentorship programs to enhance our members’ skills,” he stated.
According to reports, the newly elected NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, emphasized the need to leverage technology and innovation to adapt to the evolving media landscape and enhance connections among journalists and media organizations.
Abdullahi also highlighted the importance of collaborating with government agencies, civil society, and media proprietors to create an enabling environment for journalism to thrive in Nigeria.
The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has congratulated Abdullahi on his election as the National President of the NUJ, describing it as a testament to the trust placed in him by journalists.
