AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
A wave of commendations has continued to pour in for Mr. Akeem Abas following his emergence as the new chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) after a keenly contested election held on Tuesday in Ibadan.
Abas, an Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and member of the Correspondents’ Chapel, clinched the chairmanship seat with 143 votes.
He defeated Mr. Raji Adebayo, also of the Correspondents’ Chapel, who garnered 118 votes, and Mr. Olusola Oladapo of the Federal Information Chapel, who scored 59 votes.
His victory has been widely celebrated across chapels and media organisations in the state, with colleagues describing him as a bridge-builder, seasoned professional and leader with a clear vision for a stronger, more united NUJ.
Other elected officials include Mr. Abiodun Atilola of the State Information Chapel, who won the Vice Chairman position with 205 votes against Mr. Sam Nwaoko of the Tribune Chapel, who polled 112 votes.
Mr. Temidayo Adu of the FRCN Chapel emerged as Secretary with 166 votes, defeating Mr. Adeniji Olamide of the State Information Chapel, who had 149 votes.
In his acceptance speech, Abas expressed deep gratitude to members of the union for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the council for the next three years. He emphasized unity and collaboration as the cornerstone of his administration.
“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,” he said.
He pledged to serve with fairness, transparency and renewed dedication, assuring members that his leadership would prioritize welfare, professionalism and respect for all practitioners.
“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,” he added.
Stakeholders and senior journalists have since lauded his emergence, expressing optimism that his leadership will reposition the council and strengthen the union’s relevance in the state’s media landscape.
