The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to relaunch Iwe Iroyin as an online news platform as part of activities marking its 50th Golden Jubilee anniversary, with a renewed commitment to press freedom, professional journalism and public confidence in the media.
The Council Chairman, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, disclosed this at a press conference heralding the anniversary, scheduled to hold from October 26 to November 1, 2026, under the theme, “Truth, Trust and the Press — Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Confidence in Journalism.”
Olanrewaju described the Golden Jubilee as a historic milestone in the journey of the union, noting that Ogun State, widely regarded as the cradle of journalism in Nigeria, had remained at the forefront of the struggle for press freedom, democracy and public enlightenment.
He said the anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate five decades of the union’s contributions to the journalism profession while reflecting on the responsibilities of journalists in strengthening democratic governance and rebuilding public trust.
A major highlight of the opening ceremony on Monday, October 26, is the relaunch of Iwe Iroyin Online, a digital news platform to be jointly operated by members of the Ogun NUJ Council.The initiative is expected to strengthen the council’s presence in the digital media space, expand access to credible news and provide members with additional opportunities to participate in contemporary journalism.
Another major feature of the opening ceremony is the foundation laying of a 750-seater hall at the NUJ Permanent Site in Abeokuta. The project, fully funded and donated by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is expected to provide a modern facility for union activities and professional engagements.
The chairman noted that the project represented a significant step towards fulfilling the union’s long-standing aspiration to develop its permanent site, on land acquired in 1987.
Presenting the programme of activities, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Emmanuel Oke, said the week-long celebration had been designed to combine professional engagement, recreation, community service and recognition of individuals who had contributed to journalism and national development.
According to Oke, Tuesday, October 27, will feature a Jubilee Walk for Press Freedom, activities in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Day and a garden farming training workshop sponsored by the Nima Memorial Care Foundation.
Wednesday, October 28, has been designated for a Jubilee Music Concert and Chapel Variety Day at Iwe Irohin, while the anniversary lecture will hold on Thursday, October 29.
The first female Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, is expected to deliver the keynote address at the lecture, which will also feature a panel session involving media professionals, legal experts and other distinguished personalities, including Dr. Reuben Abati, Yusuf Olaniyonu, Kunle Kalejaiye, SAN, Femi Shodunke and Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni.
The Thursday programme will also feature the commissioning of completed Golden Jubilee legacy projects and a special evening in honour of journalism veterans.
As part of its social responsibility activities, the council will embark on a community outreach at Opeji on Friday, October 30, with the distribution of relief materials donated by the Nima Memorial Care Foundation. A special Juma’at prayer will also hold in the community.
The grand finale and awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, at the Telemedicine Hall of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, where distinguished personalities will be honoured for their contributions to journalism and nation-building.
The week-long celebration will end on Sunday, November 1, with a thanksgiving service at Victory Life Bible Church.
The council called on journalists, government agencies, professional bodies, civil society organisations and members of the public to participate in the anniversary activities, stressing the need for collective efforts to sustain press freedom, uphold professional integrity and rebuild public confidence in journalism.
The Golden Jubilee marks 50 years of the NUJ Ogun State Council, covering the period from 1976 to 2026.
