…As commissioner hails free, fair election, congratulates winners
Akeem Babatunde Abass of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has emerged the new chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council.
In a keenly contested election, Abass polled a total of 143 votes to defeat his closest rivals, Raji Adebayo of Daily independent who secured 118 votes, the outgoing State Secretary of the union, Sola Oladapo garnered 59 votes while five votes were voided.
Biodun Atilola of the Ministry of Information emerged Vice Chairman with 205 votes.Temidayo Adu (Secretary) with 166 votes; and Moses Morenikeji (Treasurer), who polled 173 votes.
Ronke Samuel, Vice President, NUJ B-Zone, urged all members—especially those who lost in the election—to cooperate with the new administration for the unity and development of the union.
Speaking after the announcement of results, she commended both the Electoral Committee and the Credentials Screening Committee for conducting a transparent and credible election.
Commending their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of leadership within the council, she said: “We commend them for doing a very good job. I pray that the incoming Chairman and his executive members will perform excellently to further advance the progress of the council,”.
Samuel, who dissolved the Ademola Babalola-led executive council, applauded the outgoing chairman for his contributions to the growth of the union.
The newly elected chairman and other members were sworn in and administered the oath of office on them by Jelili Oladehinde Oladimeji, a barrister.
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Akeem Abass, in his acceptance speech, assured members that his administration would fulfill all electioneering promises and rebrand the NUJ in Oyo State to meet the expectations and aspirations of journalists across the state.
According to him, “I express gratitude to God, the electoral committees, and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful conduct of the election.
“I stand before you today with a heart of gratitude. This victory is not for me alone but for all journalists who believe in unity. I pledge to serve with utmost commitment and dedication.”
The new chairman vowed to tackle unethical practices and uphold the highest standards of journalism as well as unprofessionalism within the state media space in Oyo State.
Meanwhile, Dotun Oyelade, Oyo State commissioner for Information, congratulated the newly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Akeem Abass, and all members who emerged victorious in the union’s election, which was held at the Oyo State Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Oyelade described the exercise as “a proud moment for the Oyo NUJ,” commending the electoral committee for conducting a free, fair, and credible poll, he noted that the transparency of the process has strengthened the union’s democratic values and set a new standard for other councils across the country.
“It has also allowed professionalism to fester,” Oyelade, who was Vice chairman of the Union 40 years ago, expressed the excitement of the state government at the seamless election.
The commissioner praised the outgoing chairman and his executive for ensuring a smooth and exemplary transition.
He equally praised them for what he described as “Outstanding Performance.”
“You have made history today,” he said. “By conducting a transparent election, you have set an example worthy of emulation.”
While congratulating the winners, Oyelade urged Abass and his team to channel their efforts towards promoting good governance within the union and contributing to the progress of Oyo NUJ, and Nigeria as a whole.
He also commended other contestants for accepting the outcome of the election peacefully, describing them as true democrats whose maturity preserved the integrity of the process.
Oyelade wished them well and encouraged them to look forward to greater opportunities in the future.
