The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, National Headquarters Abuja, has honoured One of the nation’s media friendly traditional ruler for his steadfast support to the media industry in Nigeria.
The monarch is the Kanwan Katsina, District Head of Ketare in North West Nigeria, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara who would be honoured with the prestigious award of “Media Supporter of the Year”.
Presentation of the Award is part of activities marking the 70th Anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists scheduled to hold next month in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
Presenting the letter of the award to the Monarch in his Palace, the Chairman of NUJ Katsina State Council, Comrade Tukur Hassan Dan Ali described the choice of Kanwan Katsina for the award by the NUJ Headquarters as meritorious, judging from his role in the promotion and supporting Journalists in Katsina State and Nigeria at large.
Receiving the letter of award, the Monarch, expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the NUJ Headquarters led by Comrade Alhasan Yahaya for finding him worthy, and promised to personally receive the award in Abuja.
The NUJ, under the leadership of Comrade Alhassan Yahya, Dan Ali emphasized acknowledges Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara who is a retired comptroller of Customs as a pillar of media advancement whose unwavering commitment to press freedom and national development, continues to inspire journalists across the country.
The award presentation is scheduled to take place during a grand Gala Night on 21st of June, 2025, at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
The event will bring together over 300 delegates, distinguished personalities, and awardees from across the country.
It could be recalled that NUJ Katsina State Council which nominated the monarch had previously presented an Award of Excellence to Kanwan Katsina in the year 2018 among others.
Other NUJ Chapels that honoured the Kanwan Katsina with an award, include the Federal Radio Corperation FRCN Kaduna, and Katsina State Radio
The Kanwan Katsina had also worked in the newsroom of FRCN Kaduna in 1975 after his secondary school education before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for his University Education. He also served as a Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) in the Nigeria Customs Service.