Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has urged journalists to uphold the ethics of their profession by shunning fake news and hate speech.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Dauda Iliya, Zulum emphasized the critical role of the press in strengthening democracy and fostering development.
Governor made the remarks during the 25th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno State Council, held on September 30, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.
In recognition of their contributions, Governor Zulum announced a donation of ₦2.5 million to veteran journalists in Borno State and ₦1.5 million to delegates attending the conference — totaling ₦4 million.
Zulum commended journalists as key partners in progress, highlighting their peaceful and constructive engagement with the government across the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and maintaining a cordial relationship with the media.
The conference, themed _“Beyond the Threats to Journalism: Strengthening Journalists’ Capacity in Promoting Democracy in Nigeria”_ , featured a keynote address by Hon. Abdullahi Bego, former Daily Trust Bureau Chief and current Commissioner for Information, Home Affairs, and Culture in Yobe State. Bego underscored the importance of digital tools and new media in modern journalism, calling on media practitioners to remain ethical, professional, and objective in their reporting.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Shehu of Borno, His Eminence Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, who served as Royal Father of the Day; Prof. Usman Tar, Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security (Chief Host); as well as former NUJ leaders, media executives, government functionaries, and security officials.
Meanwhile, a new NUJ executive council was unanimously elected and sworn in during the event.
The new leadership includes:
Abdulkareem Haruna (HumAngle) – Chairman
Mrs. Hauwa Bata (Peace FM) – Vice Chairman
Chiroma Ali Ibrahim (Peace FM) – Secretary
Malam Babagana (BRTV) – Treasurer
Iya Ma’aji (NTA) – Assistant Secretary
Babagana Kolo (Ministry of Information) – Auditor
The oath of office was administered by Barrister Mathias Gambo.
Governor Zulum concluded by assuring continued support for the journalism profession in Borno, and acknowledged the lasting contributions of veteran journalists who have retired after years of dedicated service.
