Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle on Monday May 10th, 2021 presented nine (9) new Peugeot 406 cars to the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), RATTAWU and all media outfits in the State.
The governor had earlier announced the donations when he hosted media executives and practitioners to break the Ramadan fast at his residence and made the formal presentation on Monday.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bala Bello Maru said his decision to purchase and distribute vehicles to media outfits is aimed at ameliorating transport difficulties faced by the organisations and help them cut costs and retain employees especially when the Coronavirus pandemic affected global economy.
He observed that the media is critical not only for disseminating knowledge about government policies and programs but also for receiving feedback from the public about how government has touched their lives.
The Shattiman Sakkwato who said his administration has always been media friendly, further disclosed that he has offered a number of support and assistance to the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and individual media corporations.
On the state-owned media outfits, he said, the administration awarded contracts worth N560,060,350.32 for the renovation and supply of equipment for the existing Zamfara Radio as well as the sum of N957,131,641.00 for the construction and supply of equipment to Zamfara Television Station while the AM and FM stations are being upgraded with state of the art facilities.
He urged media practitioners to always verify and double-check their facts before going to press noting that by doing so, they will help in preserving the dignity of the press and upholding its long-standing ethics.
He prayed that the assistance will further strengthen the cordial ties between the government and members of the press, as well as assist media organisations in reducing costs in order to maintain and enhance the well-being of their employees.
Similarly, the governor donated cars and cash prizes to winners of the Zamfara Radio Ramadan Quiz Competition who participated when the governor featured on the annual event.
One woman went home with three tricycles and three sewing machine, another woman received one tricycle and two sewing machines while two other women got a Peugeot 406 each.
Apart from those who got N100,000 each, another man collected one Peugeot 406 and a Hajj seat.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara said the gesture done to the media organizations in the state is a clear testimony of the good working relationship between Zamfara State Government and the media
He urged the practitioners to sustain the tempo and continue collaborating with government in its fight against banditry and other criminalities for the purpose of having a peaceful state that everyone can be proud of.
In his vote of thanks on bahalf of all the beneficiaries, Chairman Head of Media Organizations Forum and Chief Executive Officer of Gamji TV, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar Tsafe thanked the governor for the vehicle donation and assured for their regular support and cooperation to all government policies and programmes especially those that have direct bearing on the development of the State.
He added that, Media organizations consider the governor as their pillar that is sustaining their full operations in the state.
Those at the event include, Head of Service, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, Chief of Staff Government House, Col Bala Mande rtd, Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Dr Bashir Mohammed Maru, Commissioners of Finance, Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Sufiyanu Bashir Yuguda, Hon. Lawal Abubakar Zannah and Hajiya Faika Ahmad respectively.
Others include, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Alhaji Haruna Mainasara, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Lawal Umar Maradun, Heads of Media organizations and Senior Government officials among others.