The Jigawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has made a significant leap into the digital realm with the formal inauguration of its Online Media Chapel on Tuesday in Dutse.
In his welcome address, the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Ismail Ibrahim Dutse, highlighted the Union’s commitment to adapting to the evolving media landscape while maintaining high professional standards. “This is a proud and pivotal moment for us. The establishment of the Jigawa Online Media Chapel signifies our resolve to embrace digital realities without compromising the ethics and integrity that define journalism,” Ibrahim stated.
He explained that this initiative aligns with the NUJ Constitution (2022, as amended), which officially recognizes digital media professionals as legitimate Union members. With the addition of the Online Media Chapel, the Jigawa NUJ Council now comprises eight recognized chapels, including Ministry of Information, Radio Jigawa, JTV, Correspondents’, Freedom Radio, Horizon FM, NTA Dutse, and the newly formed Online Media Chapel.
The Pioneer Executive Members of the Jigawa Online Media Chapel includes
1. Sani Labaran Salisu – Chairman (Editor, Mainstream Digital Media)
2. Bilyaminu El-idris Tudunwada – Vice Chairman (Editor, Lauje 24)
3. Aliyu Muhammad Dangida – Secretary (Editor, Hotpen)
4. Muhammad Usamat Suleiman – Assistant Secretary (Editor, Northern Pilot)
5. Umar Aliku Majeri – Treasurer (Editor, Mizani News)
6. Hassan Salihu Turaki – Financial Secretary (Editor, Guarantee Media)
7. Inuwa Aliyu – Auditor (Editor, The Syndicate)
Ibrahim emphasized that membership will be limited to credible online media organizations with established ownership, structured editorial teams, trained journalists, and strict adherence to the NUJ Code of Ethics. Personal blogs, influencers, and unregulated platforms will not qualify.
The chapel aims to promote ethical practices, training, self-regulation, welfare, and collaboration among digital journalists. Ibrahim cautioned that the responsibilities of online journalism must match its power, urging members to prioritize verification, balance, and accuracy while combating misinformation and sensationalism that erode public trust.
He also expressed concerns about negative and unverified reports regarding Jigawa on some online platforms, encouraging members to focus on factual, peace-oriented, and development-driven journalism. To support digital initiatives, the Chairman announced free internet access at the NUJ Press Centre to enhance research and productivity, thanking Governor Umar Namadi and his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, for their support in establishing the chapel.
In his goodwill message to the occasion, the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, congratulated the Jigawa State Council of the NUJ for the initiative.
Represented by the National Trustee Zone A, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, he noted that online media offers instant reporting, global reach, cost savings, multimedia storytelling, and improved audience engagement.
He said the inauguration marks a new era for journalism in Jigawa, positioning Union members to thrive in a technology-driven media environment.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Media I, Honourable Muttaka Turaki Gujungu congratulated the leadership and members of the newly inaugurated chapel, describing its establishment as a recognition of the growing influence of digital journalism in informing, educating and shaping public discourse.
He reaffirmed that the Jigawa State Government regards the media as a strategic partner in promoting transparency, accountability and sustainable development, while urging online journalists to uphold professionalism, accuracy, fairness and ethical journalism.
He noted that in an era where information travels at unprecedented speed, credibility remains the greatest asset of every journalist.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated executives, the Chairman of the Jigawa Online Media Chapel, Sani Labaran, pledged the commitment of the leadership and members of the chapel to abide by the constitution, rules and regulations of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
Labaran assured the NUJ leadership that the new chapel would uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability and ethical journalism in all its activities.
He also urged members to guard against the spread of fake news, misinformation and mischievous publications capable of misleading the public and damaging the reputation of the journalism profession.
He said the chapel would prioritise factual reporting, continuous professional development and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen responsible digital journalism in Jigawa State.
The inauguration is expected to promote ethical digital journalism, strengthen collaboration among online media practitioners and deepen public confidence in the media profession in Jigawa State.(Nigeria this Moment)
