By Edith Tsokar
The Management of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday announced a female successor to the agency’s outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Mr Mufutau Ojo.
The NAN Managing Director, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, announced a Managing Editor, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu, as Ojo’s successor at a valedictory session organised for Ojo by the editorial management staff of the agency in Abuja.
“Ojo is handing over the editorial leadership to a female successor, who is Hajiya Hadiza Aliyu. The development is another significant milestone,” Ali said.
According to him, Mohammed-Aliyu has demonstrated commitment, thoroughness and strong work ethics over the years and never used personal challenges or gender as an excuse for poor performance.
The managing director said the choice of Mohammed-Aliyu as Ojo’s successor followed consideration of several factors, including leadership qualities, experience, work ethics and familiarity with newsroom’s operations.
Ali praised the outgoing editor-in-chief for exceptional performance, saying that his knowledge, proficiency, experience and leadership qualities qualified him for the top position.
He said that Ojo demonstrated two critical qualities required of an editor-in-chief – professional competence and leadership – adding that both qualities were evident throughout his tenure.
He lauded Ojo’s literary skills, saying that speeches drafted by him for international engagements demonstrated his understanding of contemporary politics, economics and broader issues.
Some members of staff of the agency also lauded Ojo for good performance.
A Managing Editor, Mr Ismail Abdulaziz, said Ojo’s commitment to duties was evident from his early years at NAN.
He recalled that Ojo was among workers employed by the agency in 2007, adding that he was known for promptly taking up assignments.
“He made my job easier,” Abdulaziz said.
He also described Ojo as a man with a good heart and a listening ear, saying his relationship with colleagues extended beyond the workplace.
A Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Mr Adewale Sadeeq, said that he learned valuable lessons from Ojo’s patience and a high sense of understanding.
“You are one of our most experienced employees. You took us under your wings.
“You are always ready and willing to help,” Sadeeq said.
He described Ojo as someone whose appearance often concealed a compassionate disposition.
In her acceptance speech, Mohammed-Aliyu thanked the managing director for finding her worthy to succeed Ojo.
She urged all NAN staff to join hands to take the agency to greater heights.
Mohammed-Aliyu described Ojo as a supportive and patient person, saying that his patience, advice and support made a lasting impact on her.
Responding, Ojo attributed his career progression to God’s guidance, saying that several major developments in his professional journey happened without elaborate personal planning.
He recalled joining the agency after leaving another media organisation following concerns about maintaining editorial independence.
Ojo said he subsequently became a Control Editor at NAN and worked on the agency’s National Desk.
He described his experience of editing stories written by his seniors then as demanding.
He expressed gratitude to the managing director for entrusting him with the leadership of NAN Editorial Department, saying that his achievements reflected strong institutional backing and collective efforts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chioma Ugboma