Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has presented a new bus to the Gombe State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Presenting the keys of the 18-seater Toyota Hummer bus to the leadership of the chapel, the governor who was represented by the secretary to the state government, Prof Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said the handing over of the vehicle marked yet another fulfilment of a pledge the governor made to journalists in the state.
He said his administration holds journalists in high esteem, and would continue to work towards providing an enabling environment for them to practice their profession effectively and in dignity.
He described journalists as partners in progress, considering the role they play in creating awareness among members of the public on government’s policies and programmes.
“The remarkable achievements recorded by this administration in all nooks and crannies of the state were brought to limelight by journalists.
“This administration will continue to work with you towards promoting peace and development in Gombe State to which our administration is dedicated,” he said.
The governor urged journalists in the state to reciprocate the gesture by redoubling efforts in exploring more projects executed by this administration and enlightening the citizens on good policies and programmes of the government.
In his response, the chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Gombe State Council, Sa’idu Bappah Malala, who spoke on behalf of the all working journalists in Gombe State, thanked Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his concern and support for media practitioners in the state, assuring him that the vehicle would be used judiciously.
Chairperson of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Hajara Leman, who was represented by the chapel’s secretary, Mr. Peter Osagie Uwumarogie, appreciated the governor for the gesture and the cordial working relations between his government and journalists operating in the state.
He said the provision of the vehicle would spur the media personnel to move round the state to report the laudable projects of the governor without difficulties.
The brief ceremony held at the Government House was graced by the commissioner for information and culture, Hon. Meshack Audu Lauco and special adviser to the governor on information management and strategy, Ahmed Shu’aibu Gara- Gombe among others.
A similar gesture was extended to the Gombe State Council of the NUJ recently when Governor Inuwa commissioned 40 new buses for the Gombe Line, schools and other organisations.