By joshua 
NUJ Confers Merit Award on Ex-Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has honored former Governor Yahaya Bello with a merit award, recognizing his contributions to press freedom, infrastructural development, education, and human capital development during his administration. His novel security architectural framework has also become a template for addressing security challenges and community policing in Nigeria.
Distinguished Senator Smart Adeyemi , a former two terms President of the NUJ, who equally represented Kogi West senatorial district for a record third terms between 2007-2015, and 2019-2023, known for his outspokenness and intellectual sagacity, received the award on behalf of Ex-Governor Bello. Senator Adeyemi expressed appreciation to the NUJ for the recognition, highlighting that the award signifies God’s special grace and honor for Ex-Governor Bello’s life, family, and the people of Kogi State.
Delivering Ex-Governor Bello’s message, Senator Adeyemi stated that the award has rekindled Governor Bello’s commitment to nation-building and service to humanity, coinciding with his Golden Jubilee Birthday celebration. Ex-Governor Bello expressed support for President Tinubu, urging Nigerians to ignore coalition political movements, that;
“Kogi State has unanimously resolved to support President Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027, and there’s no room for opposition coalitions in the State,”
Senator Adeyemi quoted Ex-Governor Bello. “Moreover, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is consciously moving the nation towards wealth creation.”
Ex-Governor Bello described President Tinubu as a purpose-driven leader whose policies aim to reposition Nigeria, particularly in agriculture and industrialization, through initiatives like reviving cash crops plantations such as cocoa, cotton, and palm trees production for agricultural value chains.
Ex-Governor Bello appealed to Nigerians to keep faith with President Tinubu, emphasizing the need for the NUJ to support the President, citing the freedom of the press under his administration. Notably, Ex-Governor Bello highlighted that no journalist has been harassed, arrested, or intimidated under President Tinubu’s administration. He urged the press to continue providing good coverage and publicity for the President’s Renewed Hope policies and programs.
The NUJ thanked Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello for accepting the merit award and wished him a happy 50th birthday and more successes.
Congratulations!
The 2025 NUJ Merit Award and Gala Night took place yesterday at Yar’dua Centre, Abuja, on June 21st, 2025.
— Kayode O.