By Adebisi Sogbade
The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Tuesday elected new executives to run the affairs of the union for the next three years.
Mr Akeem Abas, an Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and of the Correspondents’ Chapel, emerged as the new chairman of the council with 143 votes.
He defeated Mr Raji Adebayo, also of the Correspondents’ Chapel and Olusola Oladapo of the Federal Information Chapel, with 118 and 59 votes respectively.
The post of the Vice Chairman was won by Mr Abiodun Atilola of the State Information Chapel with 205 votes to defeat his co-contestant Mr Sam Nwaoko of the Tribune Chapel, who had 112 votes.
Mr Temidayo Adu from FRCN Chapel is now the Secretary of the council, with 166 votes to defeat Mr Adeniji Olamide of the State Information Chapel, who scored 149 votes.
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, Abas, promised to lift the union to an enviable height, but craved the support and cooperation of members for a successful tenure.
“I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude and humility.
“I deeply appreciate the confidence you have placed in me through your votes. This victory is not mine alone, it belongs to every journalist across Oyo State who believes in unity, progress and a more vibrant NUJ.
“I pledge to serve with fairness, transparency and renewed dedication. I will work with every chapel, every stakeholder and every colleague to build the council we all desire—a council driven by welfare, professionalism and respect for all.
“There is no winner and no loser in this election. We are one family, bound by the sacred duty of journalism. Let us move forward together in peace and purpose.
“At this juncture, I hereby declare a state of emergency on professionalism,” he said.
Meanwhile, the posts of Financial Secretary, Auditor and Assistant Secretary are to be filled at a later date through a by-election.
The new executive members have been inaugurated by the union’s legal adviser, AbdulJelil Oladimeji. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Remi Koleoso and Moses Solanke
