By Ahmad Rufa’i
The Jigawa State Government has honoured a veteran journalist, Hajiya Zainab Rabo Ringim, with an Award of Excellence for her outstanding contributions to the protection and promotion of women and children through specialised programmes and media reportages.
Hajiya Zainab, a former Vice President of the Nigerian Union of Women Journalists (NUWOJ) and currently the Senior Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, received the award through the State Ministry of Women Affairs.
The recognition, according to the ministry, is in appreciation of her consistent advocacy and impactful media work, particularly through the Deutsche Welle Hausa Service, where she has amplified issues affecting women and children.
Speaking during the presentation, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, said the award reflects Zainab’s tireless dedication to advancing the welfare and development of vulnerable groups.
“We are presenting this Award of Excellence to Hajiya Zainab Shu’aibu Rabo in recognition of her unwavering commitment as a veteran journalist who has continued to champion the cause of women and children in Jigawa and Northern Nigeria,” she said.
The commissioner described the awardee as a consummate professional whose work has consistently brought attention to critical social issues, adding that her contributions would remain indelible in the state’s development journey.
She further called on other journalists to emulate Zainab’s example by using the media as a tool for social change and development.
In her response, Hajiya Zainab expressed gratitude to the state government, describing the award as a testament to hard work and dedication.
“This recognition is not just for me but for all practising journalists in the state,” she said.
She urged media practitioners to uphold professionalism, noting that freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, should not be misconstrued as a licence for intimidation.
Zainab also raised concerns over the capacity gaps among younger journalists, calling on media organisations to prioritise training and retraining to align with global best practices.
She commended Governor Malam Umar Namadi for his continued support to journalists and called on media professionals to reciprocate by supporting the administration’s efforts towards the development of Jigawa State.
