BY BALA NASIR
As Jigawa State marks 35 years of its creation, the occasion provides an opportunity not only to celebrate its achievements but also to recognise the individuals and institutions whose sacrifices, commitment and contributions helped transform the young state from an idea into a functioning and developing entity.
In his anniversary speech, the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, appropriately acknowledged the founding fathers and people of the state, as well as individuals from different walks of life who contributed to the nurturing and development of Jigawa from its formative years.
Among those who deserve special commendation are journalists, whose contribution to the growth of the state has been significant, even though it has not always received the recognition it deserves.
From the very beginning, journalists played a crucial role in shaping and moulding public opinion about the new state.
At a time when Jigawa was still struggling to establish its identity and convince its people that the creation of the state represented an opportunity rather than a disadvantage, journalists became an important bridge between government and citizens.
Through their reports, commentaries, interviews and public enlightenment programmes, they helped explain the meaning and significance of the new state and encouraged citizens to believe in its future,. The task was not easy.
The early journalists operated in an environment where the basic tools and equipment required for professional journalism were either grossly inadequate or simply unavailable. Yet, they continued to perform their duties with remarkable determination.
They travelled long distances, often under difficult conditions, to cover government activities, development projects and events in communities across the state.
Memories of accidents they involved in are still fresh in mind. The one that occured in the year 2000 on their road to Miga when the bus they were travelling in summersaults and they all suffered different degrees of injuries is one of such incidents.
Accommodation and office facilities were also major challenges during the formative years.
The new state had numerous competing demands, and providing suitable offices and accommodation for every institution and professional group could not have been an immediate priority. Journalists nevertheless forged ahead.
They improvised, endured difficult working conditions and remained committed to ensuring that the story of Jigawa was told.
Beyond reporting events, journalists have contributed immensely to accountability and good governance by scrutinising government policies, questioning decisions, highlighting the concerns of citizens and drawing attention to neglected communities, they have helped keep public institutions responsive to the people.
Their reports have also provided valuable platforms through which successive administrations could communicate development policies and programmes to the public.
Journalists have equally helped to document Jigawa’s history. From the early years of statehood to the present day, their reports constitute an important record of political, economic and social developments.
Many events that might otherwise have faded from public memory have been preserved through newspapers, radio, television and, more recently, digital media.
They have also promoted agriculture, education, healthcare, commerce, culture, tourism and other sectors by bringing successful initiatives and development challenges to public attention.
During periods of crisis, journalists have played an important role in public enlightenment, conflict-sensitive reporting and the promotion of peace and social cohesion.
Perhaps most importantly, generations of Jigawa journalists have demonstrated resilience.
Many built their careers under circumstances that would have discouraged less determined professionals. They served the state not merely as reporters, but as partners in its development journey.
Therefore, as Jigawa celebrates 35 years, the journalists who worked from the difficult beginning and those continuing the profession today deserve to be remembered and appreciated.
Their microphones, notebooks, cameras, recorders and, today, digital platforms have been instruments through which Jigawa has spoken to itself and to the wider world.
The story of Jigawa at 35 is consequently incomplete without acknowledging the journalists who helped shape its public consciousness, document its journey, promote its achievements, expose its shortcomings and keep alive the belief that the young state could succeed.
Their contribution is indeed an exceptional quota to the making of Jigawa State, from its cradle to the present day.
Bala Nasir writes from Kano
