Commendations have continued to pour in following the emergence of Mr. Akeem Tunde Abas as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, after Tuesday’s peaceful and competitive election in Ibadan.
Political leaders, government officials, veteran journalists, and media stakeholders have lauded the new leadership, describing Abas’ victory as a renewed call to strengthen professionalism, unity, and ethical standards within the council.
Abas Reaches Out to Opponents, Emphasises Unity
In a move widely praised as an act of statesmanship, the newly elected chairman has reached out to his two opponents—Raji Adebayo of the Divine Mandate Team and Olusola Oladapo of the Consolidation Team—to ensure inclusivity and cohesion within the union.
Abas placed personal telephone calls to both men shortly after the election results were announced.
According to a statement issued by the Council Secretary, Dayo Adu, Abas said the election was a competition of ideas, not enmity, stressing that the union must now move forward as one.
He noted that the victory was not his alone but a shared triumph of the entire Oyo NUJ membership.
He emphasised that personal ambition must never stand in the way of the union’s progress.
Abas urged all contestants and members to prioritise the unity, peace, and advancement of the council above individual interests, assuring them of an inclusive leadership style.
Folarin Charges New Exco on Professionalism
Former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, congratulated Abas and the newly elected executives, describing their emergence as a call to higher service.
He urged the team to uphold fairness, accuracy, and objectivity in their work.
Oseni Commends Oyo NUJ’s Internal Democracy
Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA, hailed Abas’ emergence as a strong expression of confidence by media professionals in the state.
He also praised outgoing chairman, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, for his impactful leadership.
BCOS NUJ Chapel Pledges Cooperation
The BCOS NUJ Chapel congratulated Abas and expressed readiness to work harmoniously with the new leadership for the progress of journalism in the state.
Titilola-Sodo Seeks Stronger Partnership with Government
Governor Makinde’s Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo, commended the peaceful conduct of the election and expressed confidence in the new exco’s capacity to lead with integrity and vision.
Information Commissioner Assures Government Support
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, charged the new leadership to uphold professionalism and assured them of continuous government support.
Ogundipe Salutes Abas, Calls for Reforms
Former NUJ and AUJ President, Lanre Ogundipe, described Abas’ victory as well-deserved and urged him to restore dignity to the union through reforms that strengthen standards and institutional integrity.
With Abas’ immediate outreach to former opponents and the wave of goodwill messages from key stakeholders, expectations are high that the newly elected executive will steer Oyo NUJ into a more united, ethically grounded, and professionally vibrant era.
