Kano NUJ Correspondents unveil cooperative society, roll out Ramadan relief for members.

The Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has established its first Cooperative Society and inaugurated prominent personalities as trustees in a move aimed at enhancing members’ welfare and financial stability.

The unveiling ceremony, held at the Press Centre in Kano, also featured the launch of the Chapel’s maiden Ramadan food distribution programme to cushion the economic challenges faced by members during the fasting period.

Those inaugurated as trustees are Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, spokesperson to the Kano State Governor; Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa; and the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Mai Mota.

Speaking at the event, former Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council and National Trustee, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, underscored the historical importance of cooperative societies in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

He noted that cooperative models have long supported professional bodies, trade unions and public institutions in promoting financial inclusion and mutual assistance.

The Kano State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, represented by the ministry’s Director of Cooperatives, Alhaji Najib Dahiru Alkali, reaffirmed government commitment to strengthening cooperative societies as vehicles for economic empowerment.

 He assured the Chapel of continued institutional support to ensure the initiative thrives.

Chairman of the Cooperative Trustees, Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, commended the Correspondents’ Chapel leadership for prioritising members’ welfare through initiatives such as tea breaks, retreats and structured support programmes.

He expressed optimism that the cooperative would ease financial pressures and help journalists maintain professional integrity.

The NUJ Chairman, represented by Vice Chairman Comrade Mustapha Gambo Muhammad, praised the Chapel’s executives for fulfilling campaign promises and implementing impactful programmes.

He urged members to embrace and sustain the cooperative for long-term benefits.

Chairman of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Murtala Adewale, described the unveiling as a historic milestone.

He disclosed that the cooperative idea was conceived during the leadership’s manifesto presentation in July 2025 and was realised through collective efforts.

According to him, the Kano State Government provided a seed fund of N10 million to kick-start the cooperative, while about N3 million was allocated for the procurement and distribution of Ramadan food items.

He explained that each member is eligible to access up to N100,000 worth of food items or a combination of food and cash support under flexible repayment terms.

In their vote of thanks, veteran journalists Malam Abdullahi Malam, Bashir Muhammed and Jacob Ajakaiye described the initiative as timely and impactful, expressing confidence that it would significantly ease the economic hardship faced by members.