KATSINA — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, has established an Online Media Chapel, creating a formal platform for journalists working with digital news organisations in the state.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, welcomed the development and congratulated Alhaji Abubakar Shafi’i Alolo, proprietor and founder of Mobile Media Crew, on his appointment as Chairman of the three-member Caretaker Committee of the new chapel.
Alhaji Abubakar Shafi’i Alolo
The Governor also congratulated Mustapha Sadiq, publisher of Katsina Post, who was appointed Secretary, and Zaharaddeen Ishaq of Katsina Times, who was appointed Treasurer.
Mustapha Sadiq
All three are practitioners with Katsina-based digital media organisations.
Zaharaddeen Ishaq
Radda described the establishment of the chapel as an important step towards strengthening professionalism, ethical standards and coordination among online media practitioners in Katsina State.
“Online journalism has become an important part of how people receive information today. This makes professionalism, accuracy and responsibility more important than ever,” the Governor said.
He urged online media practitioners to verify information before publication and maintain accuracy, balance and responsibility, particularly amid the rapid growth of digital platforms and social media.
“Technology has created greater opportunities for journalists, but it has also placed greater responsibility on practitioners to ensure that what they publish is accurate, balanced and responsible,” he said.
Radda said the new chapel should provide a platform for unity, professional development and ethical journalism among its members.
“Just as a good tree is known by its fruits, the credibility of the media is measured by the quality, accuracy and integrity of the information it provides. We expect the new committee to promote unity, professional development and ethical journalism among its members,” he said.
The Governor also stressed the role of the media in promoting constructive public discourse, peace and development across communities.
He expressed confidence that Alolo and the other members of the caretaker committee would work with fellow practitioners to strengthen collaboration and build a credible Online Media Chapel.
“I congratulate Alhaji Abubakar Shafi’i Alolo, Mustapha Saddiq and Zaharaddeen Ishaq on their appointments. I wish them a successful tenure and encourage them to work together in building a strong, united and professional Online Media Chapel,” Radda said.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Fasaha Stream online newspaper, Malam Ahmed Abdulkadir, has congratulated the new leaders of the Online Media Chapel on behalf of the newspaper’s management.
Malam Ahmed Abdulkadir
Abdulkadir expressed satisfaction with the NUJ’s decision to formally embrace online media practitioners within its fold, describing the development as an important step in recognising the growing role of digital journalism in news dissemination.
He congratulated Alolo, Sadiq and Ishaq on their appointments and wished the caretaker committee success in building a professional and credible platform for online journalists in Katsina State.
He also expressed the hope that the new chapel would promote professional development, ethical journalism, collaboration and responsible digital reporting among its members.
