The Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced that members benefited from welfare packages and financial interventions within one year, as the chapel’s leadership rolled out its stewardship report highlighting achievements in welfare, professional development and institutional reforms.
The report was presented by the Chairman of the Chapel, Murtala Adewale, during the 12-Month Stewardship Presentation and Celebration held at the NUJ Secretariat in Kano.
According to the report, the administration placed members’ welfare at the centre of its programmes, providing ₦500,000 in direct welfare support to 10 members, facilitating ₦8.5 million in loan facilities, securing two Hajj slots, providing a ₦2 million medical intervention for a member and facilitating Ramadan food distribution worth ₦2.5 million.
The chairman also disclosed that the executive secured an additional ₦30,000 monthly special gesture for members, bringing the total value of direct financial benefits recorded within the year to ₦9.5 million.
Beyond welfare, the report showed that the administration introduced several initiatives aimed at strengthening professional capacity and promoting members’ wellbeing.
Among the innovations highlighted were the introduction of the Tea Break Platform to encourage networking and professional interaction, the organisation of an all-expenses-paid four-day retreat in Kaduna for capacity building, and the institution of the Distinguished Awards of Excellence to recognise veteran journalists, past leaders and distinguished members of the chapel.
The leadership also established a Cooperative Society with an initial capital base of ₦10 million to improve members’ access to financial support and installed an Olympic-standard table tennis facility to encourage recreation and healthy living among journalists.
As part of efforts to improve institutional visibility, the chapel produced a Government Compendium documenting the achievements and developmental strides of the Kano State Government.
The report further listed several office improvements, including the provision of unlimited 5G internet service, installation of DSTV with sustained monthly subscriptions, engagement of a cleaner to maintain the chapel’s offices and conveniences, procurement of an electric kettle for members, reactivation of the chapel’s bank account to strengthen accountability, creation of an official Facebook page to showcase activities and continuous provision of tea, garri and other refreshments for members.
Presenting the report, Adewale said the achievements were made possible through the support, unity and commitment of members, adding that the administration remained focused on transparency, accountability and service.
He called on journalists to continue working together in the interest of the profession, stressing that unity and cooperation remained essential to building a stronger and more vibrant Kano Correspondents’ Chapel.
The chairman said the executive would consolidate on the gains recorded in its first year by introducing more programmes that would enhance members’ welfare, strengthen professional ethics and improve the capacity of journalists to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
The stewardship presentation formed part of activities marking one year of the current leadership and attracted senior journalists, media executives, academics, representatives of government and professional bodies, who commended the chapel for institutionalising accountability through the public presentation of its achievements.
