Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State presented an official vehicle to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) during a special Iftar ceremony held on March 19, 2026, at the Government House in Sokoto. The event brought together key stakeholders from the media, social media platforms, and the state government, highlighting the growing importance of collaboration between traditional and digital media in governance.

Strengthening Media-Government Relations

The Iftar, held in the evening, served as a platform for dialogue between the government and media practitioners. Attendees included members of the NUJ, the Sokoto State Council of the union, and representatives from major social media organizations in the region. Discussions centered on enhancing collaboration to address challenges facing the media, including access to information, press freedom, and resource allocation.

According to the event’s organizers, the gathering aimed to support mutual understanding and build trust between the government and media professionals. Governor Aliyu emphasized the need for responsible communication, stating that both traditional and digital media play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

The Governor also acknowledged the growing influence of social media in public engagement and highlighted the importance of integrating digital platforms into state communication strategies. He assured journalists of his commitment to press freedom and pledged to continue working with the media to enhance good governance.

NUJ Chair Praises Governor’s Leadership

Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji, Chairman of the NUJ Sokoto State Council, praised Governor Aliyu for his significant leadership in various sectors, including education, healthcare, security, youth development, and women’s empowerment. He highlighted the Governor’s efforts in implementing key projects such as the construction of three major markets in Bodinga Local Government Area, which he described as vital for economic growth.

Binji also commended the Governor for the prompt payment of salaries to public sector workers, urging other state governors to emulate the gesture as a demonstration of responsive and people-oriented governance. He noted that the Governor’s consistent support for the media has been instrumental in ensuring the free flow of information and public accountability.

During the event, Binji presented several key requests to the Governor, including the provision of an official vehicle, the rehabilitation of the NUJ Press Centre, and the inclusion of NUJ leadership in relevant government committees. He also submitted a detailed report on the NUJ media tour of projects approved by the Governor between November 9 and 10, 2025.

Recognition of Governor’s Support for Media

Also speaking at the event was Abdullahi Hashimu, Chairman of the Sokoto State Social Media Organization. He commended Governor Aliyu for recognizing the role of digital media in promoting government programs and engaging the public effectively. Hashimu emphasized the importance of using social media to enhance public awareness and participation in governance.

In his response, Governor Aliyu approved the donation of the vehicle to the NUJ Sokoto State Council. He noted that other requests, such as the rehabilitation of the Press Centre and the inclusion of NUJ leadership in government committees, would be handled by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The Governor also pledged to continue supporting the media and enhancing press freedom in the state. He highlighted his commitment to improving security and the social well-being of the electorate, in addition to the progress already achieved in various sectors of development.

The event concluded with the presentation of an Award of Appreciation to Governor Aliyu by the NUJ in recognition of his support and commitment to the media in Sokoto State. The ceremony also featured prayers for peace, unity, and the sustained development of the state and the country as a whole.

The donation of the vehicle, which has been widely reported in local media, highlights the Governor’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the media and ensure the free and accurate dissemination of information. It also reflects a broader trend in Sokoto State, where the government has been increasingly engaging with media professionals to support transparency and public trust.

As the state continues to develop, the collaboration between the government and media is expected to grow, with the NUJ playing a key role in facilitating this relationship. The event has been seen as a significant step in ensuring that the voices of journalists are heard and that their contributions to public discourse are recognized and supported.

Looking ahead, the inclusion of NUJ leadership in government committees and the rehabilitation of the Press Centre are expected to be addressed in the coming months. The Office of the Secretary to the State Government has been tasked with handling these requests, with a deadline set for the end of the first quarter of 2026.