CP commissions NUJ correspondents’ chapel first-ever table tennis board in Kano
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has commissioned the first-ever table tennis board of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, describing the initiative as a reflection of the cordial relationship between the police and the media.
The commissioning ceremony took place at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano and was attended by journalists, security personnel and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, CP Bakori praised members of the Correspondents’ Chapel for their professionalism and balanced reportage, noting that effective policing relies heavily on constructive collaboration with the media.
“Policing cannot succeed without journalists. You are our partners and our image. Your reports are always balanced, and whenever issues arise, we sit together and resolve them,” he said.
The police commissioner added that informal engagements, including sporting activities, help to build trust, improve communication and strengthen mutual understanding between journalists and security agencies.
He said such cooperation has contributed to sustaining relative peace and security across Kano State.
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According to him, crime rates in the state have continued to decline, while banditry around border communities has been curtailed through collaboration with critical stakeholders, including the media.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Mr. Murtala Adewale, described the unveiling of the table tennis board as a historic milestone and the fulfilment of a long-standing dream of the chapel.
He said the initiative was designed to promote the physical and mental well-being of journalists, given the stressful and demanding nature of their work.
“A healthy body supports a sharp mind. Sports and recreational activities help journalists remain focused, energetic and resilient in the course of their duties,” Adewale said.
He also called for the revival of the National NUJ Games, which he noted had been suspended for more than a decade, stressing that such competitions promote unity, fitness and professional bonding among journalists nationwide.
He announced plans to organise a table tennis tournament for members of the chapel.
Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council, Alhaji Suleiman Dederi, represented by the Vice Chairman, Mr. Mustapha Gambo, described the commissioning as a milestone for both the Correspondents’ Chapel and the union as a whole, urging other chapels to emulate welfare-driven initiatives.
Also speaking, former national officer of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mallam Malikawa Garu, and the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano State Chapter, Hajiya Bahijja Kabara, commended the project, saying it would promote unity, professionalism and healthy competition among journalists.
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The event ended with a novelty table tennis match between CP Bakori and the Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman, however the CP defeated the Chairman of Correspondent’ chapel of NUJ in the tournament
While the event draw applause and excitement from guests and participants.