 in recognition of his notable support for media development and journalist welfare during his tenure.){kind=link}
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in recognition of his notable support for media development and journalist welfare during his tenure.
The award was presented during the Union’s 70th anniversary celebration and book launch held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Saturday.
Receiving the award on behalf of the former governor was Senator Smart Adeyemi, a former NUJ President and one-time senator representing Kogi West in the 9th National Assembly.
In a letter jointly signed by NUJ National President and Deputy President, Mrs. Abimbola Oyetunde, the union praised Bello’s consistent backing of the journalism profession, particularly in Kogi State.
The letter highlighted his efforts through the GYB Annual Workshop for Correspondents and Editors, which trained over 200 media practitioners annually in developmental journalism and writing proficiency.
The workshops also featured essay competitions judged by senior media professionals and journalism academics, with winners receiving various prizes.
Expressing gratitude through Senator Adeyemi, Bello thanked the NUJ for the honour and pledged to continue advocating for the welfare of journalists across the country.
The former governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they are already producing tangible outcomes.
He expressed confidence in Governor Usman Ododo’s leadership in Kogi State, assuring that the state would remain firmly aligned with President Tinubu’s agenda, with no room for opposition in the 2027 general elections.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who represented President Tinubu; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Youth and Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, now Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communications; as well as governors and representatives from various states including Kano, Gombe, Ondo, Oyo, Bauchi, Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa.