NUJ Kaduna Appeals for Revival of Almajiri Education, Applauds Security Taskforce
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, has appealed to the state government to revisit and strengthen the Almajiri School and Tsangaya education policy as part of efforts to address the growing menace of out-of-school children and street begging.
The Council identified poverty, lack of educational access, and social exclusion as key factors fueling these issues, urging the implementation of policies that provide alternative livelihoods, improve access to education, and reinforce social safety nets for vulnerable groups.
On security, the Council commended the state government for establishing the recently inaugurated task force to tackle urban crimes and maintain safety in various flashpoints across the state. It called for sustained efforts to build on these initiatives to ensure lasting peace and security for residents.
The Union also praised the Northern Governors Forum for its role in facilitating the ongoing payment of severance allowances to staff of the New Nigerian Newspapers Limited (NNN), describing the development as a long-awaited relief for affected workers.
While acknowledging the state government’s efforts in completing multiple road projects, the NUJ urged the expedited completion of other key ongoing projects, including the Kabala Costain–Nuhu Aliyu Road in Barnawa; Television Garage–Sabon Tasha; Sabon Tasha–Ungwan Gimbiya–Juji Road; Kakuri–Nasarawa Road; and Kabala West–Hayin Nariya Road, among others.
The Council further congratulated the Kaduna State Government on the successful hosting of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his state visit in June. During the visit, President Tinubu commissioned several major projects to mark Governor Uba Sani’s two years in office, including the 300-bed Specialist Hospital at Millennium City, three Skills Acquisition Technology Centres in Rigachikun (Igabi), Samaru Kataf (Zango Kataf), and Soba, along with the introduction of CNG vehicles and new road networks.
The Congress also celebrated Governor Uba Sani on his conferment of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Similarly, it congratulated former military governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Dangiwa Umar (rtd), popularly known as the “Soldier of Democracy”, and Senator Shehu Sani on their recent national recognitions.
Additionally, the NUJ expressed delight over the improving relationship between the Kaduna State Government and the media, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening democracy and promoting good governance.
These resolutions and commendations were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Council’s monthly congress held on Monday, 30th June 2025, at the NUJ Secretariat in Kaduna.
The meeting, presided over by the Council Chairman, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe, was attended by nearly 100 journalists, including past Chairmen, a former National Trustee, the Zonal Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), and senior Council members.
In his opening remarks, Alabelewe briefed members on highlights from the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja and emphasized the significance of the NUJ’s 70th anniversary celebrations, noting the Union’s enduring commitment to press freedom and the welfare of journalists.
The communiqué was signed by the Council Secretary, Gambo Santos Sanga.
