The Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has inaugurated its first-ever Cooperative Society and appointed eminent personalities as Trustees of the new platform.
The Chapel also flagged off its maiden Ramadan food distribution programme for members at a ceremony held on Saturday at the Press Centre.
Trustees include Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, the Kano Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Mai Mota.
Speaking at the event, former NUJ Kano State Council Chairman and National Trustee, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, traced the history of cooperative movements in Nigeria, describing them as deeply rooted in the nation’s economic and cultural development.
“Cooperatives are not just about salary deductions. Proper financial management and record-keeping are key to sustainability,” he said, urging members to embrace cooperative principles.
Represented by the Director of Cooperatives in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment, Alhaji Najib Dahiru Alkali, the Commissioner, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, pledged government support for the initiative.
“The administration is committed to transparency, accountability and capacity building. Compliance with cooperative laws guarantees positive outcomes,” he said, advising members to remain united.
Chairman of the Cooperative Trustees, Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, commended the Chapel for welfare-driven initiatives such as tea breaks and retreats. He expressed confidence that the cooperative would ease financial challenges and reduce ethical pressures among journalists.
The NUJ Chairman, represented by Vice Chairman Comrade Mustapha Gambo Muhammad, praised the Chapel for fulfilling campaign promises and introducing impactful programmes, urging members to sustain the momentum.
In his address, Kano Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman, Comrade Murtala Adewale, described the unveiling as historic. He revealed that the cooperative idea was conceived during the leadership’s manifesto presentation in July 2025 and nurtured into reality through collective efforts.
“The Kano State Government provided a seed fund of N10 million to support this initiative. The cooperative is designed to promote savings, provide access to soft loans, and support members during financial challenges,” he said.
A total of N3 million from the cooperative fund has been earmarked for Ramadan food distribution, with each member eligible to receive up to N100,000 in food items or a combination of food and cash under flexible repayment terms.
“A financially secure journalist is more confident and independent. When there is no food on our table, the tendency to compromise increases while productivity declines,” Adewale added.
