The race for the chairmanship of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, gained momentum on Tuesday as the Great Minds Team led by Mr. Akeem Babatunde Abas (Alakime) officially flagged off its campaign and inaugurated its campaign council in Ibadan.
The event, which was attended by journalists across various chapels, veteran media professionals, and former leaders of the union, was described as a renewed call for professionalism, unity, and credible leadership in the Oyo NUJ.
In his declaration speech, Abas, a senior journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reiterated his commitment to “raising the bar and preserving the legacies” of past leaders of the union. He emphasized that his aspiration was 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,” he said. “Leadership in NUJ is not about privilege, but purpose; not ambition, but impact. Together, we can build a union that listens, protects, and delivers for its members.”
He pledged to prioritize members’ welfare, invest in capacity building, modernize union operations, and strengthen ethical standards in journalism practice across the state.
Abas, who was joined by his running mate, Abiodun Atilola, and other members of the Great Minds Team, including Dayo Daniel Adu (Secretary) and Khalid Imran (Treasurer), called for a campaign devoid of bitterness and division, promising an issue-based approach that would unite members across chapels.
In his opening address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Great Minds Team, Mr. Lekan Shobo Shobowale, said the Oyo State NUJ was “once again at the threshold of history,” urging members to make the right decision for the union’s future.
“Many administrations in Oyo NUJ have made various impacts, and the outgoing administration under our leader, Ademola Babalola, has done exceedingly well. But history is again beckoning on us to decide the future of our great union,” Shobowale said.
“I believe God has ordained for us our brother, friend, and colleague, Akeem Babatunde Abas, to steer the affairs of the union at this time. A support for Akeem is a support for credible leadership in Oyo NUJ — a leadership that is all-encompassing and not sectional.”
He described Abas as “a man of integrity and credibility,” noting that the Great Minds Team represents transparency, openness, and purposeful leadership.
“Our campaign will never engage in blackmail or propaganda. It will be issue-based because no matter where we belong now, we are all one great family,” Shobowale added.
“Let us support a team that will prioritize members’ welfare and uphold professionalism and ethics in our union. May God bless Oyo NUJ, Oyo State, and all of us.”
Former NUJ leaders including Chief Gbenga Ayoade, Comrade Cosmos Oni, Wumi Faniran, Bisi Yomi-Layinka, and Dapo Falade also spoke at the event, commending Abas’s track record and calling for unity and fair play in the forthcoming election.
Chief Ayoade warned against manipulation or imposition of candidates, while others described Abas as a “tested and trusted professional” with the competence and integrity to lead the union.
With the flag-off, the Great Minds Team has officially begun its campaign ahead of the 2025 NUJ Oyo State Council election — promising to elevate professionalism, welfare, and unity within the union.
