By Lamara Garba Azare
The newly established League of Kano Veteran Journalists (LKVJ) has said it was created to promote professionalism, uphold the integrity of journalism, improve the welfare of veteran media practitioners and mentor the next generation of journalists.
The League, which was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in June 2026, comprises seasoned journalists with between 25 and 30 years of professional experience committed to deploying their expertise to strengthen journalism practice in Kano State and across Nigeria.
As part of efforts to build strategic partnerships within the media industry, the League’s leadership on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, to formally present the organisation and seek collaboration.
Speaking during the visit, the Interim Chairman of the League, Alhaji Aminu Mahmoud, said the body was founded by accomplished journalists determined to preserve the core values of the profession while enhancing the welfare, dignity and relevance of veteran journalists.
He said the League’s registration with the CAC provides it with legal recognition, a constitutional framework and clearly defined objectives.
Mahmoud disclosed that the League’s Board of Trustees is co-chaired by former NUJ National President Malam Sani Zorro and former NUJ Deputy National President Malam Nasir Zahraddeen, while former NUJ National Vice President (Zone A), Abdulkadir Ahmed Ibrahim Kwakwatawa, serves as Secretary.
He added that an Interim Management Committee would soon be inaugurated to oversee the affairs of the organisation. Besides Mahmoud as Interim Chairman, the committee includes Lamara Garba Azare as Vice Chairman I, Amina Mohammed Usman as Vice Chairperson II, Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi as Secretary, Nasir Yusuf Gwadabe as Communications Officer, while Adamu Abubakar Gammo, Abdullahi Yusuf Malam and Halima Ben Umar are members of the executive.
Mahmoud noted that similar bodies already exist in several states, particularly in the South-West, adding that Kano now joins Kwara and Plateau among northern states with an association of veteran journalists.
Describing the NUJ as the League’s foremost partner, he said the founders maintained close consultations with the union’s national leadership throughout the process leading to its establishment.
According to him, the League’s objectives include improving members’ welfare and healthcare, restoring the dignity of veteran journalists, strengthening cooperation among members and providing mentorship for younger practitioners.
He added that the organisation would also study emerging issues affecting journalism and contribute to national discourse on political, economic and social matters. The League, he said, also intends to mediate where necessary in disputes involving the media, government, the public and regulatory agencies.
Mahmoud appealed to the NUJ Kano State Council to work closely with the League in promoting ethical journalism, defending press freedom and strengthening the profession.
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, congratulated the veteran journalists on the establishment of the League, describing it as a significant milestone for journalism in the state.
Represented by the Council’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Muhammad, Dederi said the experience and institutional knowledge of veteran journalists would play a vital role in mentoring younger professionals, promoting ethical standards and deepening professionalism in the media.
He assured the League of the NUJ’s readiness to collaborate in areas such as capacity building, professional development, members’ welfare and the promotion of responsible journalism.
Dederi expressed confidence that the partnership between the two organisations would help preserve the integrity of journalism and advance the collective interests of media practitioners in Kano State.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in promoting ethical journalism, protecting the image of the profession and ensuring that the knowledge and experience of veteran journalists continue to benefit society.
Among the League’s founding members are NUJ National Trustee, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, and Salisu Ibrahim Fagge.