By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, has congratulated the government and people of Jigawa State on the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state.
Jigawa State was created out of the old Kano State on August 27, 1991, by the then Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd).
In a statement jointly signed by the NUJ Jigawa Council Chairman, Comrade Isma’il Ibrahim Dutse, and Secretary, Comrade Aminu Umar Shuwajo, the union commended successive military and civilian administrations for their contributions to the development of the state.
The council said the 35-year journey had witnessed significant progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors, as well as the sustenance of peace and unity among the people.
According to the NUJ, the development recorded over the years had extended beyond urban centres to communities across the state, including hard-to-reach rural areas.
It attributed the progress to the unity and resilience of the people, as well as the commitment of successive leaders who, according to the union, laid solid foundations for the continued development of the state.
The NUJ also congratulated Governor Umar Namadi on the anniversary, commending his vision and innovative programmes aimed at improving the lives of residents.
It listed job creation, investment promotion, youth empowerment, agriculture, healthcare delivery, improved workers’ welfare and human capital development among the areas it said the administration had focused on.
The council equally extended its felicitations to the traditional rulers in the state and commended them for their efforts towards maintaining peaceful coexistence among people in their respective emirates.
NUJ Urges Peaceful Political Activities
Against the backdrop of increasing political activities ahead of the next elections, the NUJ urged politicians, political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with the law.
The union called on political actors to demonstrate maturity, tolerance and respect for democratic values throughout the electioneering period and beyond.
It particularly warned against recruiting, sponsoring or encouraging youths to engage in thuggery, drug abuse, violence, intimidation and other forms of political misconduct capable of threatening the peace and security of the state.
The council also appealed to youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence or political disturbances, urging them instead to contribute positively to peace, unity and democratic development.
The NUJ prayed for the continued peace and stability of Jigawa State, saying a peaceful environment would further enhance economic growth and development.
It also commended security agencies for their resilience and professionalism in maintaining peace and security in the state.
The union said their efforts had contributed to Jigawa maintaining its reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country.
