Amidst pomp and pageantry, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has conferred the “Media Supporter of the Year” award on the Kanwan Katsina, District Head of Ketare, Katsina State, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara mni.
The prestigious award was given to the monarch for what the umbrella body of journalists in the country referred to as “his remarkable contribution to press freedom and support” to men and woman of the pen profession over the years.
Popularly called UK Bello in his hey days in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the traditional ruler was conferred with the prestigious award at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja recently.
Apart from him, other notable Nigerians including public officials, traditional leaders, captains of industries and media veterans were also honoured in commemoration of NUJ seventy years of professional service to the Nigerian public.
Apparently please with the award conferred on him, the royal father expressed gratitude to the NUJ Headquarters Abuja for finding him worthy of the prestigious award and commended journalists for their role in informing, educating, and entertaining the public.
The Kanwan Katsina enjoined media professionals across the country to remain fair, just, and objective in their reportage to strengthen national development and democratic values just as he emphasized that the media remains a vital pillar of nation-building and must be steadfast in its duties despite the challenges faced in the line of duty.
He used the occasion to commend NUJ and its members for their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey over the past 70 years, describing the union as a critical pillar of democracy and national stability.
The President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni in his goodwill message congratulated the monarch on the recognition.
While describing the award as “well-deserved”, Okafor stated that it was a testament to a life of public service, strategic communication, and nation-building.
Bello is a member of AANI as he is proud holder of the prestigious mni award after his successful conclusion of his studies at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.
Dignitaries from various walks of life attended the occasion including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Mohammed Idris, deputy governors, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Muhammad Bulama, and a delegation from NUJ Katsina State Council led by Comrade Tukur Dan-Ali.
While he was in NCS, the royal father was at various times the Public Relations Officer (PRO) in more than one command; Customs Area Controller (CAC), Eastern Marine Command with headquarter in the Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt; as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command Abuja.
