The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has released the programme of activities for its 60th anniversary, also known as the Diamond Jubilee, and the 2026 Press Week scheduled for November 1 to 7.
The week-long celebration, themed “Celebrating the Past, Defending the Present and Shaping the Future,” will feature thanksgiving services, anniversary lectures, professional gatherings and other activities aimed at celebrating the council’s six decades of journalism practice and service.
According to a statement signed by the council’s Secretary, Dayo Adu, the programme will commence on Sunday, November 1, with a thanksgiving service at Victory International Church, Wonder City Chapel, opposite Dominion University, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, at 9:00 a.m.
The opening ceremony and first anniversary lecture will hold on Monday, November 2, at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, by 10:00 a.m.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is the Special Guest of Honour, while Chief Dare Babarinsa will deliver the lecture on the topic, “Oyo NUJ @60: Six Decades of Legacy, Milestones and Lessons for the Future.” The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, is among the royal figures expected at the event.
Tuesday, November 3, has been designated SWAN Day, with Dr Felix Owolabi, MON, as Special Guest of Honour. Hon. Gbenga Adewusi (Arole) will serve as Chairman of the Day, while Ambassador Romoke Akinde will be the Mother of the Day. Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye is scheduled to deliver the guest lecture.
The celebration will continue on Wednesday, November 4, with NAWOJ Day. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will be the Special Guest of Honour, while Dr Bakiss Junaid will serve as Chairperson of the Day. Chief (Mrs) Kemi Alao-Akala is the Mother of the Day, with Oba Samuel Adegbola, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, as Royal Father of the Day.
Family/Veterans’ Day will take place on Thursday, November 5, featuring a lecture on “Hypertension or High Blood Pressure and Consequences.” Dr Kayode Lasaki will deliver the lecture, while Ambassador Yemi Farounbi will serve as Chairman of the Day. Oba Sefiu Olawale, the Aseyin of Iseyin, is the Royal Father of the Day.
The programme will also feature a Jumat service on Friday, November 6, at the NUJ Central Mosque, Iyanganku Quarters, Ibadan, by 1:30 p.m.
Earlier that day, the council will hold its second anniversary lecture at the NUJ Press Centre, with Chief Mutalubi Ojo, SAN, as Chairman of the Day and Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.) as Mother of the Day.
Dr Festus Adegayo will deliver the lecture titled “Journalism at a Crossroad: Press Freedom, Professionalism and Public Trust in the Digital Age.”
The week-long celebration will climax on Saturday, November 7, with a grand finale and the third anniversary lecture at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde is expected as Special Guest of Honour, while Chief Bayo Overo will serve as Chairman of the Day. Ambassador Florence Ajimobi is the Mother of the Day, while Chief Sunday Dare will deliver the lecture titled “Journalism Tomorrow: Artificial Intelligence, Innovation and the Future of the Profession.”
Royal fathers expected at the grand finale include the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye.
Other invited guests include the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, members of the National Assembly and service chiefs in Oyo State.
The NUJ Oyo State Council has urged members to take note of the dates, venues and activities and participate actively in the celebration to ensure the success of the Diamond Jubilee.
The anniversary is expected to provide an opportunity to reflect on the council’s contributions to journalism, assess the challenges confronting the profession and consider the future of media practice in an increasingly digital world.
