Yahaya Bello honored with NUJ Lifetime Award for empowering journalists and supporting the media.
The ex-Kogi governor reaffirms loyalty to Tinubu, hints at future political ambitions in 2027.
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Media Empowerment from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in recognition of his consistent support for the media during his time in office.
The prestigious award was presented during the NUJ 70th anniversary event held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. Representing Bello at the ceremony was Senator Smart Adeyemi, a former NUJ president and ex-lawmaker who represented Kogi West in the National Assembly.
In the nomination letter signed by NUJ President and Deputy President, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde, the union commended Bello’s substantial contributions to the media sector, especially in Kogi State. They noted that Bello’s efforts significantly improved the welfare and professional capacity of journalists.
A major highlight of Bello’s tenure, according to the NUJ, was the launch of the GYB Annual Workshop a dedicated training program for media practitioners. This initiative brought together around 200 journalists and editors annually from across Nigeria for training sessions focused on developmental journalism and writing enhancement. The program also included essay competitions judged by renowned media professionals and academic scholars, with winners receiving cash rewards and accolades.
While accepting the award through Senator Adeyemi, Bello applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, stating that the benefits of the administration’s policies are becoming evident. He also declared that Kogi State, under the current leadership of Governor Usman Ododo, would fully back President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
“There is no room for opposition in Kogi,” Bello’s message conveyed, reflecting his confidence in the state’s political alignment.
The celebration brought together key figures from Nigeria’s political and media spheres. Information Minister Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who represented President Tinubu, was in attendance. Other notable dignitaries included former Ogun State Governor and veteran journalist Olusegun Osoba, as well as presidential aide Sunday Dare.
Governors from various states including Kano, Gombe, Ondo, Oyo, Bauchi, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa were either present or represented at the event, which also featured the unveiling of a commemorative publication celebrating the NUJ’s seven-decade legacy as Nigeria’s leading media organization.
The event served as a dual milestone honoring both the NUJ 70 years of promoting press freedom and journalistic integrity and celebrating individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the profession.
Bello expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated his ongoing commitment to the well-being of Nigerian journalists. He promised to remain a steadfast supporter of the media, highlighting the critical role journalists play in national development.
The recognition adds to Bello’s public profile as he continues to position himself as a key political actor on the national stage, having previously contested for the presidency in 2023. His statement of unwavering support for Tinubu’s administration and the 2027 election cycle may also signal future political ambitions or alignments.
Overall, the event underscored the growing collaboration between the political elite and the media in Nigeria, with calls for continued investment in journalism capacity building and press freedom.
