The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Chief Ademola Babalola, has been commended for his exceptional stewardship in orchestrating a successful electoral campaign that ushered in a new national executive for the esteemed union.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Vice Chairman. Comrade Seye Ojo and Secretary, Comrade Olusola Oladapo, on behalf of the state council.
According to the statement, “Our Chairman, Chief Ademola Babalola, was the Director-General of the A+A Campaign Council. His stellar efforts were pivotal in securing a remarkable victory for Comrade Alhassan Yahya, our new national President. who triumphed with a commanding 436 votes, far surpassing his closest contender, Bamidele Atunbi, who garnered 97 votes, as well as Mallam Garba Mohammed, who scored 39 votes.
“The election did not only crown Yahya as the new national President of NUJ, but also saw Abimbola Oyetunde take the reins as the national Deputy President, alongside other dedicated members of the new executive.
“The outcome of this election showed the strategic vision and relentless dedication that Chief Babalola infused into the campaign. His ability to connect with journalists across the nation and effectively communicate the values of our union has elevated our status and cohesion.
The council observed that it was an unwritten constitutional provision that the presidency of NUJ should rotate between the Northern and the Southern parts of Nigeria.
“The immediate past president of NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, from Abia State spent two terms of six years, while his predecessor, Alhaji Waheed Odusile, from Ogun State spent one term of three years. This means that the NUJ presidency stayed in the Southern part for nine years.
“In the interest of justice, equity, and fair play, the presidency of the union should go back to the Northern part. This accounted for why Babalola deployed everything in his arsenal to support Comrade Alhassan Yahaya from Gombe State to electoral victory,” the statement said.
In addition to Yahya’s victory, Mrs. Ronke Afebioye Samo from the Ekiti State Council of NUJ was also re-elected unopposed as the Vice President for the B-Zone, which reflected the confidence members have in the new leadership.
“The Oyo State Council is proud of Chief Ademola Babalola’s achievements, which not only spotlight his leadership acumen but also reinvigorate the collective strength and unity of the NUJ across Nigeria.
“Together, we look forward to a progressive and impactful tenure under the new executive, championing the interests of journalists nationwide.
“With gratitude and admiration, the NUJ Oyo State Council calls upon all members to rally together in support of this new leadership of NUJ under President Alhassan Yahaya. and to continue advocating for excellence in journalism in our great nation – Nigeria,” the statement stated.
