By Sam Isracel JP.

Members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm have been urged to uphold the principles of truth, justice, and fairness in the discharge of their duties as a way of protecting and preserving Nigeria’s democracy—one that continues to deliver good governance to the people.

The call was made by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, during the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Zone D Zonal Executive Council Meeting and 65th Independence Anniversary Celebration, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Sam Israel, Senator Wadada commended journalists for their pivotal role in nation-building and charged them to remain steadfast in truth and professionalism. He emphasized that journalists, as custodians of public information, must continue to report objectively and avoid heating up the polity, especially as the nation consolidates its democratic gains.

According to the Senator, both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the national level and Governor Abdullahi Sule in Nasarawa State have provided purposeful and quality leadership that have translated into tangible democratic dividends for Nigerians. He therefore urged journalists, particularly women in the profession, to highlight these achievements in their reportage for the benefit of all citizens.

Senator Wadada commended NAWOJ Zone D for choosing Nasarawa State as the venue for its meeting, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of Governor Sule’s transformative leadership. He noted that under Governor Sule’s stewardship, Nasarawa has become a model of good governance and is now competing favorably with other states across the federation.

In his characteristic display of compassion and generosity, Senator Wadada donated the sum of ₦500,000 to support the activities of women journalists, assuring them that his doors remain open to further collaboration and assistance.

He further enjoined women journalists to continue to be trailblazers in their profession, reaffirming that women have demonstrated exceptional courage and competence in a field once dominated by men. The Senator used the opportunity to call on women to stand firm in their convictions and play active roles in shaping the political future of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.

Speaking on the future of Nasarawa, Senator Wadada stated that the next phase of leadership must be anchored on experience, integrity, and a deep understanding of the people’s needs. He stressed that following the good and pragmatic leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, the state requires a grounded leader to sustain the momentum—and that leader, he said with conviction, must be Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Special Assistant on Political Matters, Alhaji Nasiru Zakari who commended NAWOJ for celebrating 65 years of resilience and strength of Nigerian women; and the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ibrahim Tanko , who highlighted Governor Sule’s remarkable achievements across all sectors of the state’s economy.

The event was crowned with awards of recognition to the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and Senator Patricia Akwashiki.

Senator Wadada’s presence and contributions at the event once again reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, media freedom, and empowerment of women—values that continue to define his political philosophy and leadership vision for a greater Nasarawa State.

Sam Israel JP is the Senior Special Assistant on media to Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.