The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has appointed the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, as Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for its 60th anniversary celebration.
The appointment places the former two-term Chairman of the Oyo State NUJ at the forefront of preparations for the council’s Diamond Jubilee.
In a statement jointly signed by the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abas, and Secretary, Comrade Temidayo Adu, the union said the committee would coordinate activities marking six decades of the council’s contributions to journalism and public service.
Other members of the committee are Sola Oladapo, Kemi Olaitan, Semiu Azeez, Bukola Owolabi, Olubunmi Olalere and Phebean Ojo.
As part of preparations for the celebration, Ojo-Lanre met with the Oyo NUJ Chairman and members of the State Executive Council in Ibadan on Monday to discuss the vision, scope and strategic direction of the anniversary.
Speaking during the meeting, Ojo-Lanre described the Diamond Jubilee as an opportunity to document the history, sacrifices and achievements of journalists in Oyo State while honouring veterans who laid the foundation of the union.
He said the anniversary should also recognise individuals and organisations that have supported journalism, celebrate the union’s achievements and provide a platform to discuss the future of the profession in the digital era.
“Sixty years in the life of a professional institution is a significant milestone. It is an opportunity to remember those who laid the foundation, celebrate those sustaining the institution and prepare the younger generation of journalists for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Ojo-Lanre thanked the leadership and members of the Oyo NUJ for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as a call to serve an institution that played a major role in his professional and leadership development.
A lawyer and veteran journalist, Ojo-Lanre is an Associate Editor (Tourism) with the Nigerian Tribune.
He previously served as Secretary and two-term Chairman of the Nigerian Tribune Chapel of the NUJ before emerging as a two-term Chairman of the Oyo State Council.
During his tenure, he championed institutional reforms, members’ welfare, capacity building and international exposure for journalists, including leading a delegation of Oyo journalists to Ghana for a professional engagement with the late former Ghanaian President, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings.
He also facilitated the reopening of the Ibadan campus of the International Institute of Journalism, expanding access to professional journalism training in the state.
Beyond journalism, Ojo-Lanre has served as Chief Press Secretary to former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni, President of the Guild of Tourism Journalists in Nigeria, Director-General of the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, and Senior Special Assistant on Tourism Development to former Governor Kayode Fayemi.
He currently serves as Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development under Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The Oyo NUJ said the anniversary planning committee would collaborate with the State Working Committee, former leaders, chapels, veteran journalists, media organisations, government agencies and corporate stakeholders to deliver a memorable Diamond Jubilee celebration.
The anniversary is expected to feature lectures, professional development programmes, historical documentation, awards, social events and other activities celebrating 60 years of organised journalism in Oyo State. Further details on the theme, dates and programme of events will be announced by the council in due course.
