Comrade Isma’ila Ibrahim Dutse, new NUJ Chairman, Jigawa state Council
Dutse, May 15, 2025
In a significant development for the media community in Jigawa State, a renowned and seasoned public relations expert, Alhaji Isma’il Ibrahim Dutse, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council.
The election, which held at the NUJ Press Centre in Dutse on Monday, witnessed a large turnout of journalists from across the state, all gathered to chart a new course for journalism in the region.
Mr Dutse, who has served for over a decade in the public relations and media management of many Departments in the Jigawa state civil service, emerged victorious following a poll, reflecting the trust and confidence reposed in him by members of the union.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman pledged to prioritize press freedom, capacity building, and improved welfare for journalists across the state.
According to him, the victory earned at the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference of the NUJ in Dutse, is a milestone in his personal journey of service and dedication.
“This victory is not mine alone; it is for every journalist in Jigawa who believes in a vibrant, united and progressive press,” he stated.
He further pledged to wipe away quackery from the media cycle in Jigawa state, thus focusing on capacity building and empowerment for journalists in the state.
Furthermore, the new Chairman solicits for the support of the journalists in ensuring sanity and conducive atmosphere for journalism to thrive in Jigawa state.
Dutse, is best known for his exemplary service as the Deputy Director at the State Ministry of Information and has earned a reputation as a bridge-builder, between government institutions and the media.
Colleagues describe him as a dynamic communicator with integrity and a passion for transparency, ethics, and professional development in journalism.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Sagir Musa in his speech, congratulated the new chairman, urging him to uphold the core values of the union and strengthen the media’s role in promoting democracy and good governance in the state.
Media stakeholders in Jigawa including veteran journalists, believe that Dutse’s emergence as the new Chairman, signals a new chapter for the NUJ Jigawa Council, with high expectations for reforms and renewed advocacy for journalists’ rights and professionalism in an evolving media landscape.
The new executive committee was inaugurated a day after the election, and the first Chairman of the Jigawa Council, Mr Sabo Abdullahi Guri, tasked the new leaders on renewing the hope of all journalists in the state.
Guri, called on them to uphold the ethics of journalism and bring all journalists on board to have a stake in running the affairs of the council in order to promote transparency and accountability.
Also, another veteran and past Chairman of the council, Comrade Mati Ali, also expressed hope in the new leadership, noting that they could change the media narrative in Jigawa state.
He however, appealed to them to unite all Journalists in Jigawa and work towards better future for the Council.
Comrade Ali, pledged to support the new leadership and the NUJ Jigawa state Council anytime any day.
