The Kano League of Veteran Journalists (KALVEJ) has reaffirmed its status as an independent, professional body following the ratification and adoption of its Charter as its constitution.
The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, made the clarification while speaking at the ratification session.
He stated that KALVEJ is not an appendage of the Kano State Ministry of Information, stressing that the Ministry’s relationship with the League is purely professional.
According to Waiya, maintaining the independence of professional associations is essential for their effective operation and alignment with global best practices.
He noted that the Ministry engages in similar professional relationships with bodies such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and other related organisations.
Members of the League, drawn from various segments of the journalism profession including academics, actively participated in the session.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, its Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Aminu, expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in them.
He assured that all concerns raised, particularly those relating to members’ welfare, would be adequately addressed in the revised Constitution.
The draft Constitution was subjected to detailed scrutiny, with members making extensive comments and observations.
Key concerns raised during the deliberations included the absence of clear provisions on members’ welfare, gender representation, and sustainable funding mechanisms for the League.
Following exhaustive discussions, participants resolved that all issues raised be forwarded to the Constitution Drafting Committee and the Secretariat for further review and necessary amendments.
At the conclusion of the session, members unanimously adopted a motion mandating the Constitution Drafting Committee to continue overseeing the affairs of the League for a period of one year, pending the conduct of elections for substantive executive officers.
Khadijah Aliyu
