Kano Veteran Journalists Launch League to Promote Professionalism, Welfare, Secure NUJ Partnership

By Lamara Garba Azare

A new professional body, the League of Kano Veteran Journalists (LKVJ), has been established to promote professionalism, uphold the integrity of journalism, improve the welfare of veteran media practitioners and mentor the next generation of journalists.

The League, which was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in June 2026, comprises experienced journalists with between 25 and 30 years of practice who are committed to contributing their expertise to the growth and development of journalism in Kano State and Nigeria.

As part of efforts to build strategic partnerships, the League’s leadership on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, to formally introduce the organisation and seek collaboration.

Speaking during the visit, the League’s Interim Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Mahmoud, said the organisation was founded by accomplished journalists dedicated to preserving the core values of the profession while enhancing the welfare, dignity and relevance of veteran journalists.
He noted that the League’s registration with the CAC provides it with legal recognition, a constitutional framework and clearly defined objectives.

Mahmoud disclosed that the League’s Board of Trustees is co-chaared by former NUJ National President, Malam Muhammad Sani Zorro, and former NUJ Deputy National President, Malam Nasir Zahraddeen, while former NUJ Zone A Vice President, Abdulkadir Ahmed Ibrahim Kwakwatawa, serves as the Board Secretary.

He added that an Interim Management Committee would soon be inaugurated to oversee the League’s activities.

The committee includes Lamara Garba Azare (Vice Chairman I), Amina Mohammed Usman (Vice Chairperson II), Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi (Secretary), Nasir Yusuf Gwadabe (Communications Officer), alongside Adamu Abubakar Gammo, Abdullahi Yusuf Malam and Halima Ben Umar.

According to Mahmoud, similar veteran journalists’ associations already exist in several states, particularly in the South-West, while Kano now joins Kwara and Plateau among the few northern states with such an organisation.

He described the NUJ as the League’s foremost partner, revealing that the National Secretariat of the Union was consulted throughout the process leading to the League’s establishment.

Mahmoud explained that the League’s objectives include improving members’ welfare and healthcare, restoring the dignity of veteran journalists, promoting unity among members and creating opportunities for mentorship and professional guidance for younger journalists.

He further said the League would provide informed perspectives on emerging issues affecting journalism and contribute to national discourse on political, economic and social matters. It also intends to mediate, where necessary, in disputes involving the media, government, the public and regulatory agencies.

The Interim Chairman appealed to the NUJ Kano State Council to work closely with the League in promoting ethical journalism, defending press freedom and strengthening professionalism across the state.
Responding, NUJ Kano State Council Chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, congratulated the veteran journalists on the successful establishment of the League, describing it as a significant milestone for the profession.
Represented by the Council’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo Muhammad, Dederi said the experience and institutional memory of veteran journalists would play a critical role in mentoring younger practitioners, promoting ethical standards and enhancing professionalism within the media industry.

He assured the League of the Council’s commitment to collaboration in areas including capacity building, professional development, members’ welfare and the promotion of responsible journalism.

Dederi expressed confidence that the partnership between the two organisations would help preserve the integrity of journalism and advance the collective interests of media practitioners in Kano State.

The meeting ended with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation in promoting ethical journalism, protecting the image of the profession and ensuring that the wealth of experience possessed by veteran journalists continues to serve the public interest.

Among the founding members of the League are NUJ National Trustee Comrade Abbas Ibrahim and Salisu Ibrahim Fagge.