Ogun Nuj State Chairman: Akinwale Olanrewaju Commends, the newly elected Members, Urges Unity and Respect for Elders

By Tope Bankole

OTA, Ogun State — Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju has commended members of the Ogun West Independent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ota, for their commitment to the growth and development of the union.

Olanrewaju made this statement during the election of Ogun West Independent Chapel, at the  recreation center, Ilo-Awela in Ota.

He  expressed appreciation to the entire membership for their dedication, cooperation and collective efforts in strengthening the chapel, noting that unity and mutual respect remained essential to the success of the union.

He particularly acknowledged the Editor-in-Chief for his efforts in bringing members together to champion the ideals of the union, describing such commitment as important to promoting professional solidarity and advancing the interests of journalists in Ogun West.

He encouraged members to continue working together, irrespective of their individual positions, interests or differences, stressing that the strength of the union depended on the willingness of its members to support one another and uphold the principles of journalism.

Olanrewaju also urged members to respect the positions and responsibilities entrusted to the elected officers, noting that every office within the union carried important duties that must be recognised and supported.

He, however, cautioned the newly elected officers against allowing their positions to create a sense of superiority over other members.

According to him, leadership within the union should be regarded as an opportunity to serve rather than an avenue to exercise authority over colleagues.

He charged the officers to demonstrate humility, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility in the discharge of their duties, while maintaining cordial relationships with members, particularly the elders whose experience and contributions had helped to sustain the union.

Olanrewaju further emphasised the importance of respecting senior members, urging the elected officers to draw from their wealth of experience and guidance in order to strengthen the chapel.

He noted that effective leadership required patience, understanding and the ability to listen to the concerns of members, adding that the elected officers must always remember that they were representatives of the entire membership.

The unionist also encouraged associate members to take the necessary steps to upgrade their membership status and become full members of the union.

He described the transition from associate to full membership as an important step towards greater participation in the activities and responsibilities of the NUJ, urging those concerned to familiarise themselves with the relevant membership requirements and fulfil the necessary obligations.

Olanrewaju further clarified that the revalidation of membership was a continuous exercise, urging members to remain committed to the process and ensure that their membership records were up to date.

He explained that continuous revalidation was necessary to maintain an accurate membership register, strengthen the credibility of the chapel and ensure that members remained properly recognised within the union.

The unionist also reaffirmed the leadership of the Ogun West Independent Chapel, ratifying Comrade Olatunji Egbewunmi as Chairman, Gbenga Fashina as Secretary, and Sunday Adeyemi as Treasurer.

He urged the ratified officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating transparency, accountability and dedication to the welfare of members.

He also called on the entire membership to give the officers the necessary cooperation and support to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Olanrewaju stressed that the progress of the chapel should remain a collective responsibility, encouraging members to put aside personal differences and work towards building a more united, vibrant and professionally responsible union.

He expressed optimism that sustained cooperation, respect for constituted positions and commitment to the ideals of the NUJ would further strengthen the Ogun West Independent Chapel and enhance its contribution to journalism practice in Ogun State.

He concluded by urging members to remain steadfast in their commitment to the union, uphold professional ethics and continue to promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, inclusiveness and collective progress.

Responding, the newly elected Chairman of the Ogun West Independent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Olatunji Egbewunmi, expressed appreciation for the electoral process and the confidence reposed in him by members.

Egbewunmi commended the entire membership for their cooperation, support and commitment towards ensuring a successful process, describing the exercise as a demonstration of unity and collective determination to move the chapel forward.

He pledged to prioritise the welfare of members, assuring them that their interests, professional development and general well-being would remain central to his administration.

The outgoing Caretaker Chairman of the Ogun West Independent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Kayode Taiwo, has charged members to continue to cooperate with one another and work collectively towards the growth and development of the chapel.

Taiwo urged members to uphold the ethics and principles of the journalism profession in their activities, stressing the need for professionalism, responsibility, integrity and mutual respect. He encouraged them to remain committed to the ideals of the NUJ and maintain the dignity of the profession at all times.