Ogun Veteran Journalists Inaugurate Electoral Committee

The Ogun League of Veteran Journalists has inaugurated an electoral committee to conduct elections into its executive positions within the next three weeks.

The decision was taken at a congress held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Iwe Iroyin, in Abeokuta on Thursday.

At the congress, Mr Dare Folarin was elected Chairman of the electoral committee, while Messrs Dele Ayodo and Kayode Bello emerged as members.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Barr. Demola Badejo, appreciated the NUJ leadership for the opportunity given to serve.

Badejo said the committee had been overseeing the affairs of the league since its inauguration by the current NUJ executive council.

He emphasised that veteran journalists had a responsibility to ensure the growth and development of journalism practice in Ogun.

The chairman commended the NUJ leadership for formalising the body, noting that such a structure had not existed in the state despite decades of practice.

He particularly lauded the NUJ Chairman, Mr Wale Olanrewaju, for initiating the process and providing direction for the establishment of the league.

Badejo recalled that the chairman announced the plan during the 2024 Press Week and subsequently constituted a steering committee.

He said the committee was tasked with laying a solid foundation that would guarantee the sustainability and growth of the association.

According to him, efforts were ongoing to organise the league, including modest financial contributions from members to support its activities.

He added that the inauguration of the electoral committee reflected the league’s commitment to due process and democratic principles.

Badejo expressed confidence that the committee would deliver credible elections that would usher in a new leadership.

Also speaking, a member of the steering committee, Mr Eddy Aina, described the initiative as a step toward institutional stability and progress.

Aina commended the NUJ leadership for providing stability and effectively projecting the activities of the union.

“The council chairman has provided stability in the union and protected its activities. Ogun NUJ can serve as a model for others,” he said.

In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Mr Wale Olanrewaju, described the inauguration of the league as the fulfilment of a long-standing vision.

Olanrewaju said the initiative was aimed at reviving the journalism profession and strengthening ethical standards in media practice.

He noted that similar leagues were already functioning effectively in other states, adding that the Ogun chapter would provide mentorship and guidance.

The chairman expressed concern over declining standards in journalism, attributing it to poor training among practitioners.

According to him, the league would play a key role in monitoring developments in the media space and ensuring professionalism.

He added that journalism remained a lifelong commitment to truth, expressing satisfaction that the league was inaugurated during his tenure.