The NUJ National President, Garba Mohammed, has called on the Kano state government to re-open the Triumph Newspapers Publishing Company it closed down recently for poor performance.
He made the call during the Annual Lecture/Role Model award ceremony organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ in Kano on Saturday. ??
“I want to appeal to the state government to immediately re-consider its decision and consider the general rehabilitation of the Triumph Newspapers.
“This appeal is necessary in view of the fact that the newspaper is the only surviving state-owned newspaper in the country today.
“Going by the history of Triumph, the paper has produced some of the best journalists in the country.
“I am a product of Triumph, and Sani Zorro (a former NUJ President) is also a product of Triumph, as well as quite a number of veteran and well-experienced journalists,’’ Mohammed said.
He said while the appeal was in no way unmindful of the reasons advanced for the re-organisation of the newspaper, he would want government to hasten the re-organisation process.
“Whatever plan the government has, the paper will come back to light and the people of the state will continue to enjoy the readings of this very important newspaper,’’ the NUJ president said.
He urged journalists to imbibe the spirit of professionalism, avoid misconduct and stick to the ethics of the profession.
In his remarks at the occasion, the state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, assured that the state government would resuscitate the ailing company.
‘’The state government is conscious of the importance of the newspaper house and will not allow it to go under but resuscitate it for better productivity,’’ he said.
According to him, the state government was making efforts to improve on the educational development of the people and turn the state to a mega-city through various development projects.
NAN reports that Kwankwaso and the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammadu Abubakar, were among personalities who were honoured at the occasion.(NAN)