Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, on Friday, received the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, at the Government House, Gombe, in a visit aimed at strengthening ties between the state government and the national media body.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe.
The courtesy call, held on July 11, 2025, saw both leaders reaffirm their commitment to deepening collaboration in the interest of press freedom, transparency, and good governance.
Governor Yahaya praised Comrade Yahya’s leadership of the NUJ, describing his tenure as visionary and impactful.
He commended the president’s efforts in repositioning the union and reiterated his administration’s support for responsible journalism.
“Your purposeful leadership has inspired a renewed sense of professionalism within the media space. Gombe State will continue to stand with the NUJ in promoting press freedom and development journalism,” the governor said.
The governor also promised to prioritise the completion of a befitting NUJ Secretariat in Gombe while extending support to national media organisations operating in the state.
He lauded journalists in Gombe for their “constructive engagement and commitment to democratic ideals,” acknowledging the media’s role in fostering accountability.
Governor Yahaya expressed appreciation to the NUJ for honouring him with the Media-Friendly Governor Award at the union’s 70th Anniversary celebration in Abuja. He described the recognition as a motivation to further uphold openness in governance.
In his remarks, NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahya expressed gratitude to the governor, noting that Yahaya’s support was instrumental to his emergence as the union’s leader.
“Your Excellency, your investment in people-centred projects, especially in healthcare—a sector dear to me—is commendable. But beyond that, your respectful relationship with the media sets a standard for others,” Comrade Yahya noted.
He restated the Union’s desire to see the Gombe NUJ Secretariat completed and revealed that the state is being considered to host an upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Union.
The NUJ President also briefed the Governor on his recent national engagements, including with the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, where national unity, security, and the media’s peace-building role were discussed.
Comrade Yahya pledged to remain an ambassador of Gombe State and assured the governor of the NUJ’s continuous partnership in driving good governance and national development.