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A presidential aspirant of the Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum (SKJF), Bosan Yakusak, has unveiled a five-point agenda focusing on professional development, member welfare, information dissemination, networking and unity among journalists in the region.
Yakusak presented the project, titled “The LINK² Blueprint: One House, One Voice, One Future”, ahead of the next SKJF elections, saying his ambition was not simply to occupy an office but to build a stronger and more effective professional body capable of promoting the interests of journalists. Project reports
He said the project was built around five key pillars: leadership, information, networking, knowledge and kinship, which he described as the foundation for a more united, professionally led and wellbeing-oriented journalists’ forum.
Yakusak promises Southern Kaduna TV
Under the Information pillar, Yakusak proposed the creation of Southern Kaduna TV, a dedicated digital broadcast platform that would operate through YouTube and social media channels.
He said the initiative would give journalists in the region an additional platform to showcase their work, including investigative reporting, cultural reporting, breaking news and other stories that can project Southern Kaduna to audiences within and outside Nigeria.
According to him, the digital platform would also provide the region with an avenue to tell its own stories and counter the tendency for narratives about Southern Kaduna to be shaped solely by outsiders.
Yakusak also proposed laying the groundwork for a southern Kaduna radio station, which he said would further expand the ability of journalists and the broader media community to disseminate information across the region.
Information desk to strengthen journalism
The SKJF presidential candidate also promised to establish an Information Modality Desk, which he says will serve as a central digital repository for verified information, data and relevant contacts.
It said the initiative will help journalists access credible information more quickly and improve the accuracy, timeliness and competitiveness of reports produced by members.
Yakusak said a reliable information system would also help journalists reduce reliance on unverified sources and strengthen professional standards within the forum.
Journalist assistance unit proposed
An important component of the project is the proposed establishment of the SKJF Care Unit, designed to provide support to journalists facing medical emergencies, financial difficulties or legal challenges arising from their professional responsibilities.
Yakusak said the initiative would ensure that members do not face serious personal or professional difficulties without the support of their colleagues.
He also proposed to extend the activities of the Care Unit beyond journalists through periodic awareness and relief programs targeting indigent members of the Southern Kaduna community.
It argued that journalists were part of the communities they reported on and should therefore also help improve the wellbeing of vulnerable people within those communities.
Training, scholarships for journalists
Under the Knowledge pillar, Yakusak promised to pursue partnerships with media organizations and professional institutions to provide specialized training to members.
Proposed areas for training include modern journalistic practices, digital security and data journalism, with an emphasis on journalists’ ability to operate effectively in an increasingly digital media environment.
It also committed to facilitating opportunities for members to access local and international journalism grants, which could provide funding for investigative journalism and other professional projects.
According to him, continued capacity building would make journalists more competitive while improving the quality of journalism produced in Southern Kaduna.
Annual conference on media and culture
Under the Networking pillar, Yakusak proposed an annual Southern Kaduna Media and Culture Colloquium to bring together journalists with community leaders, artists and other stakeholders.
He said the proposed event would provide a platform for discussions on issues affecting the region, while promoting its cultural heritage and strengthening relations between different groups.
He also promised to pursue stronger partnerships with national professional bodies and relevant stakeholders to improve the recognition, protection and opportunities available to journalists working in Southern Kaduna.
Promises proactive leadership
As for leadership, Yakusak has pledged to take a proactive approach to advocacy and governance if elected.
He said his administration will engage government officials, security agencies, civil society organizations and other relevant institutions on issues affecting journalists, including access to information and safety of media professionals.
He said the forum must position itself as a credible professional body capable of speaking with one voice on issues affecting its members.
According to him, the ultimate goal of the LINK² project is to create an organization that protects journalists by giving greater visibility to the issues they cover.
“By empowering the journalist, we are empowering Southern Kaduna,” he said.
Yakusak seeks members’ support
Yakusak urged forum members to study the project and make an informed decision during the upcoming elections.
He appealed to members to support what he described as the vision of “One Home, One Voice, One Future”, stressing that unity and collective responsibility would be necessary to move the forum forward.
According to the electoral committee, the SKJF electoral process is expected to culminate in an election scheduled for September 30, 2026 in Kaduna.
The candidate called on members to embrace an agenda focused on professional growth, well-being, unity and stronger representation, promising to pursue the LINK² project if he is entrusted with the leadership of the forum.
