President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with former two-term President of Nigerian Guild of Editors and renowned Communications Strategist, Malam Halilu Ibrahim Dantiye, on his 60th birthday.
Buhari ongratulated the veteran journalist for more than 40 years of service to his profession, with many scores, including working as Permanent Secretary in Kano State.
“The President joins the Nigerian Union of Journalists and Nigerian Guild of Editors in celebrating with Malam Dantiye, fondly called “Baba’’, whose dedication to his profession, and passion for development communication impacted greatly on the dynamic media industry, regularly positioning him for more responsibilities and leadership roles.
“President Buhari notes the journalist’s versatility as a member of National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Secretary of Kano State Steering Committee on Ease of Doing Business, Chairman, Technical Committee on Kano State Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project, and serving as Director General, Media and Communications, to Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his predecessor, Sen. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
“The President believes Malam Dantiye’s experience will always be relevant in development, praying that the Almighty God will continue to bless him with longer life and good health.
In its own statement jointly signed by its president Mustapha Isa and General Secretary Mary Atolagbe, the Nigerian Guild of Editors said Dantiye boasts of close to 40 years media industry experience, serving in various capacities, including as a crime and judiciary correspondent. He later rose to become the Editor of the Kano-based Triumph Newspapers.
“He served the Nigerian Guild of Editors in different capacities. He was elected General Secretary in 2001 and later served two terms as President, from 2003 to 2008. It was during his tenure that the All Nigeria Editors’ Conference, ANEC, was first held. The forum was later included in the Guild’s Constitution as a mandatory annual event.
“Malam Baba Dantiye represented the media at the National Political Conference, organised by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He also served on the National Steering Committee of Vision 2020-20.
“This astute media personality served as spokesman to two governors in Kano State with distinction; first as Director of Press to former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and later as Director-General- Media, to the current Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. He was later appointed as Permanent Secretary, before his retirement from the state’s civil service.
“He is now a full-time Media Consultant. While wishing Malam Baba Dantiye, a detribalised Nigerian and an alumnus of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPPS, a happy Sixtieth birthday, the Guild prays to God to grant him more years; filled with wisdom and good health in his continuous service to the Nigerian media industry and the country at large.”
