By Babatunde Ayedoju

The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, has commended members of the Ondo State Council of the union for their love and support for the pen profession demonstrated during the tenure of the immediate past council executives.

Yahaya who was represented by the NUJ Vice-President, South West Zone, Mrs. Aderonke Samo, gave the commendation while speaking at the inauguration of new executives for NUJ Ondo State Council on Wednesday at the union’s secretariat in Akure.

Yahaya thanked the Nigeria Union of Journalists Electoral Committee (NUJECO) for a job well done, noting that they did not bend the rules but abided by the constitution of the union.

In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn in Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite promised to continue protecting the interest of journalists in Ondo State.

He also appreciated leaders of the union from neighbouring states who came to grace the occasion.

Earlier in his valedictory speech as outgoing Chairman, Adegbite thanked all elders and members of the union for their love and support during his first tenure and prayed that God would continue to be with them all.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Electoral Committee (NUJECO), Pastor Ayo Falana, thanked the union for the opportunity given to him to serve in the committee, describing it as the beginning of a new journey for the union and expressed hope for a better future for the union.

Falana, while giving an account of the stewardship of the three-man committee he led, commended his committee members for their diligence and commitment, adding that the election period was free of rancour and petitions.

Tosin Ajuwon ,chairman correspondent chapel in the state moved for the dissolution of the outgoing council and supported by Omorinola Hungbeji from OSRC chapel.

NUJECO chairman submitted the report of his committee to the representative of the president who dissolved the committee.

Thereafter, the following executives were sworn in and presented with certificates of office: Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite; Secretary, Mr Meshach Olaoluwa; Treasurer, Mrs. Maria Famakinwa; Assistant Secretary Mrs. Precious Oluwole

In his goodwil message, Chairman of Owena Press Limited, Mr. Kayode Fasua, commended the union’s leadership for the unity upheld over the years, congratulating the new executives for the mantle of leadership handed over to them.

He noted with dismay how journalism seemed to have become an all-comers affair, saying, “We are professionals guided by the ethics of our profession. This union should ensure that the dignity of our profession is protected from people who peddle false information to tarnish the image of the profession.”

Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, rejoiced with the new executives, saying that the governor had enjoyed the support of the union.

General Manager Positive FM, Mrs. Olubunmi Olalere, while congratulating the new chairman who is one of her staff, noted that the organisation had produced three chairmen.

“I always say don’t see unionism as a jamboree. Any time you are given a position to occupy, look at where you are coming from and see how many lives you can touch,” she said.

Chairman of NUJ Oyo State Council, Comrade Ademola Babalola, congratulated Prince Adegbite, saying that he had demonstrated good leadership even among his fellow council chairmen in the union.

Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Ondo State, Comrade Ademola Olapade, congratulated the new executives and commended the NUJ for being the voice of the voiceless in the state