The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has inaugurated its Central Planning Committee to coordinate activities for the council’s forthcoming 60th anniversary celebration, with veteran journalist and tourism administrator, Wale Ojo-Lanre, appointed as chairman of the committee.
The inauguration marks the beginning of preparations for the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the council, which is regarded as one of the oldest and most influential state councils of the NUJ in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Ibadan, the Chairman of the NUJ Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abass, described the Oyo Council as the oldest NUJ council in Nigeria and a pace-setting chapter that must continue to sustain its leadership role in the journalism profession.
He commended past leaders and former executive members of the council for their immense contributions to its growth and development, noting that their sacrifices laid the foundation for the council’s enviable status.
According to Abass, the essence of the Diamond Jubilee celebration is not merely to commemorate 60 years of the union’s existence but to create a lasting historical legacy in the annals of the NUJ.
He disclosed that following consultations with former chairmen and other leaders of the council, Wale Ojo-Lanre was unanimously nominated to chair the Central Planning Committee in recognition of his wealth of experience and commitment to the profession.
The NUJ chairman also revealed that the National President of the union and other critical stakeholders in the media industry had pledged to participate in the anniversary activities.
Wale Ojo Lanre in his acceptance speech described his appointment as “a call from home,” expressing gratitude to the leadership and members of the Oyo NUJ for the confidence reposed in him.
He said the Oyo State Council played a defining role in shaping his professional career, noting that returning to serve the union at such a historic moment was both an honour and a privilege.
According to him, the Diamond Jubilee celebration should transcend festivities and entertainment to become an opportunity to preserve the council’s rich history, honour its pioneers and veterans, reflect on the future of journalism and leave a lasting legacy.
“The Oyo State Council has produced distinguished reporters, editors, broadcasters, media administrators, scholars, unionists and defenders of truth who have made remarkable contributions to journalism and nation-building,” he said.
Ojo-Lanre,Director General Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism stressed that the anniversary should document the council’s six-decade journey, celebrate those who built the union, inspire younger journalists and create a legacy that future generations would be proud of.
To achieve these objectives, he unveiled seven pillars that would guide the committee’s assignment: history, honour, professionalism, welfare, publicity, partnership and legacy.
He urged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, transparency and unity, saying the assignment was bigger than individual interests and required collective commitment.
The committee chairman also appealed to the State Executive Council of the union, former leaders and veterans to support the committee by making available records, photographs and institutional memories that would enrich the documentation of the council’s history.
He further called on younger journalists to actively participate in the anniversary, saying the story being documented today would become the foundation upon which future generations would build.
Expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to succeed, Ojo-Lanre said the Diamond Jubilee celebration would become a reference point for NUJ anniversary celebrations across the country.
Also speaking, former National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Gbenga Bamidele, commended the Oyo State Council for its sustained growth and achievements over the years.
Bamidele described the inauguration of the Central Planning Committee as a significant step towards a successful Diamond Jubilee celebration and urged members of the committee to justify the confidence reposed in them.
He appealed to members of the union, former leaders and other stakeholders to give the committee maximum support to ensure that the Oyo NUJ’s 60th anniversary celebration becomes a memorable and historic milestone.
In his remarks, Seye Ojo, a member of the NUJ Board of Trustees, described the composition of the Central Planning Committee as an excellent choice.
He said the appointment of Ojo-Lanre as chairman, alongside other members of the committee, reflected the union’s confidence in individuals with proven records of excellence, dedication and integrity.
Ojo expressed optimism that the committee would deliver a befitting Diamond Jubilee celebration that would surpass expectations and further strengthen the legacy of the Oyo State Council.
Members of the Central Planning Committee include Mrs. Bummi Olalere, Morenike Tony Esan, Kemi Olaitan, Olusola Oladapo, Fabian Ojo and Bukola Owolabi.
The committee is expected to coordinate activities marking the 60th anniversary of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, with a focus on preserving its history, celebrating its achievements and charting a new course for journalism in the state.
