The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development and former two-term Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, has described the emergence of Mr. Akeem Abas as the new Chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, as divinely ordained and a reward for years of loyalty, integrity and professionalism.
Ojo-Lanre, in a congratulatory statement issued on Wednesday, said Abas’ election reflects his long-standing commitment to the ideals of journalism and his consistent display of ethical conduct in the profession.
He noted that Abas, an Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), did not only achieve a personal milestone with his election but also brought pride to NAN, stressing that the agency has produced a leader capable of contributing meaningfully to the repositioning of journalism in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
According to Ojo-Lanre, he has known Abas over the years as a consensus-builder, a diligent and decent professional, and a journalist who remains calm, balanced and principled even under pressure, qualities he said would be invaluable in steering the affairs of the Union.
The former NUJ Chairman also congratulated other members of the newly elected Executive Council of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, urging them to give maximum support to the new Chairman and work collectively towards the progress and unity of the Union.
He charged Abas, as the de facto and de jure leader of journalists in the state, to prioritise the repositioning of the NUJ Press Centre at Iyaganku, Ibadan, which he said has drifted from its original professional purpose.
Ojo-Lanre stressed that the Press Centre should be retrofitted and transformed into a functional professional hub for journalists, calling for a halt to further construction on the premises until a comprehensive renovation is undertaken.
He further advised the new NUJ leadership to sustain engagement with past leaders of the Union in order to strengthen institutional memory and continuity, a tradition he said was reinforced by the immediate past Chairman, Chief Demola Babalola.
The former NUJ boss also urged the new administration to pursue policies centred on professional re-orientation, journalists’ welfare and safety, youth mentorship and strict adherence to ethical standards.
In addition, Ojo-Lanre called on Abas to liaise with the NUJ National President to ensure the proper takeover, affiliation and accreditation of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Abuja, which he described as a vital asset of the Union.
He appealed to members of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, to rally round the new Chairman, support his leadership and contribute to the unity, growth and development of the Union.
