By Adebisi Sogbade and Tunde Ajayi
Comrade Akeem Abas of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ibadan, has flagged off his campaign for the chairmanship of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council.
NAN reports that the event, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, was attended by journalists across chapels in the state and some former leaders of the union.
The event was unanimously described as a renewed call for professionalism, unity, and credible leadership in Oyo NUJ.
While presenting his seven-point manifesto, Abas, an Editor with NAN, reiterated his commitment to raising the bar and preserving the legacies of the union’s past leaders with his Great Minds Team.
“My aspiration is born out of the desire to build a more inclusive, transparent, and development-oriented council.
“Our union has a proud heritage, and we must continue to lead as a pace-setter.
“Leadership in NUJ is not about privilege, but purpose; not ambition, but impact, and together we can build a union that listens, protects, and delivers for its members,” Abas said.
He pledged to prioritise members’ welfare, invest in capacity building, modernise union operations, and strengthen ethical standards in journalism practice across the state.
“We will reinvigorate the social life of the union through sporting competitions, press week, media family day, and cultural events.
“The offices of NAWOJ and SWAN will be empowered to carry out impactful programmes with the full backing of the council.
“To achieve our goals on economic empowerment and sustainable projects, we will pursue government and corporate partnership projects that benefit the union.
“Our administration will be anchored on transparency, consultation, and accountability, while an Elders’ Advisory Council shall be instituted,” he said.
Abas, with his teammates, called for a campaign devoid of bitterness and division, promising an issue-based approach that would unite members across chapels.
In his remarks, Comrade Lekan Shobowale, Director-General (DG), Great Minds Campaign Team, said the outgoing chairman had done exceedingly well in raising the state council’s tempo.
He, however, added that it was important to elect a person who would not only raise the bar higher but also make maximum impact in leading the union to prosperity.
He noted that support for Abas should be seen as support for credible leadership in Oyo NUJ.
Shobowale said all candidates of the Great Minds Team, under the leadership of Abas, would operate an open-door policy to elevate collective responsibility with a high sense of integrity and purposeful leadership.
In his goodwill address, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief in NAN, Mr Ayodeji Solanke, said Abas, having been tested in-house, has proven himself with boldness and confidence.
Solanke, speaking on behalf of the NAN Managing Director, Malam Ali M. Ali, said the agency believed in Abas with colleagues supporting his chairmanship.
“His coming out to contest is great and backed by the support of his colleagues in the agency,” he said.
In addition, Mrs Bisi Yomi-Layinka, a former NAWOJ Chairman, commended Abas’ track record and called for unity and fair play in the forthcoming election.
Former NUJ leaders at the event are Chief Gbenga Ayoade, Comrade Cosmos Oni, Adewumi Faniran, and Dapo Falade.
Ayoade warned against manipulations or imposition of candidates, while others described Abas as a “tested and trusted professional” with the competence and integrity to lead the union.
NAN reports that Abas is leading the Great Minds Team as the chairmanship candidate, with Abiodun Atilola of the Oyo State Ministry of Information vying for the vice-chairmanship position.
Others are Dayo Adu (FRCN) as the Secretary, Khalid Imran (Oke Ogun Chapel) as the Treasurer, and Rofiat Olateju-Animashaun (NTA) as the Assistant Secretary.
Meanwhile, Olamiposi Ishola (BCOS) vies for the Financial Secretary.
With the flag-off, the Great Minds Team has officially begun its campaign ahead of the 2025 NUJ Oyo State Council election slated for Dec. 9. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Moses Solanke
