Comrade Wale Olanrewaju has returned unopposed as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, to steer the affairs of the Council for another three years.
Olanrewaju’s emergence followed a smooth and peaceful election held at the NUJ Secretariat, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta.
The exercise was supervised by delegates from the National Secretariat of the Union, led by the NUJ Vice President, Zone B, Ronke Samo.
The election took place on Thursday, under tight security, as operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were on ground to maintain order.
Also returning unopposed is Comrade Abiodun Lawal, who retained his position as Vice Chairman.
Comrade Bunmi Adigun, however, returned as Secretary with 153 votes, defeating his opponent, Comrade Modupe Salabiu, who polled 8 votes.
Adefeso Luqman (Importa) emerged as Financial Secretary with 161 votes to defeat Kunle Ibikunle, who secured 19 votes, while Olayinka Ezema also returned unopposed as Auditor.
The newly elected leadership is expected to consolidate on ongoing reforms and strengthen the union’s pursuit of professionalism and improved welfare for journalists in the state.
In his acceptance speech, the elected Chairman, Comrade Olanrewaju, traced the ongoing event to the past three years when he was elected as the Chairman, adding that the mandate is acceptable and not for him alone but all Ogun journalists.
He said, “I hereby accept this mandate as the Chairman and it is not only for me but to all journalists, who believe in professionalism and better duties in Ogun State”.
Recalling the covenant of integrity, trust, resilience, made three years ago, and the state of journalism remains stronger in the state, Olanrewaju commended the electoral committee for job well done on the outcome of the election and the results, citing that the election is symbolic and simplified, adding that the election will surely bury the fear of godfatherism in the state.
