Yahaya Bello Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award for Media Empowerment

Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Media Empowerment by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at its 70th anniversary celebration in Abuja.

The award recognizes Bello’s outstanding contributions to the welfare of journalists, particularly in Kogi State, during his tenure as governor.

The NUJ highlighted Bello’s annual workshop program for correspondents and editors, known as the GYB Annual Workshop, which trained around 200 media professionals across Nigeria in developmental journalism and writing skills. The workshops featured experienced media leaders and journalism professors who judged essay competitions, with winners receiving cash prizes and other awards.

Senator Smart Adeyemi, a former NUJ president, received the award on behalf of Bello, who expressed gratitude to the NUJ for the recognition. Bello also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, stating they were already yielding positive results.

He predicted that Kogi State would deliver 100% support for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election under Governor Usman Ododo’s leadership, asserting that “there is no space for opposition in the state”.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Information Minister Alhaji Mohammed Idris, representing President Tinubu, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, and presidential adviser Sunday Dare. Several state governors also attended or sent representatives.

However, the award has sparked controversy due to ongoing corruption charges against Bello, with some questioning the timing and appropriateness of the recognition. Despite these allegations, the NUJ emphasized Bello’s contributions to journalism and media development.