Lagos NUJ Elects Akodu as New Chairman, Pledges Welfare and Professionalism

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, has elected Adewale Akodu as its new chairman, with the union leadership pledging a renewed focus on members’ welfare and professional development.

Akodu, a director in the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, defeated Innocent Anaba of the Vanguard Chapel by 465 votes to 21 in Monday’s election. A total of 492 votes were cast out of 813 registered voters, with 486 declared valid and six invalid.

Philip Nwosu of The Sun Chapel was re-elected Vice Chairman unopposed, while Olayide Awosanya emerged Secretary unopposed.

Other unopposed winners were Adegboyega Oni as Assistant Secretary, Adeola Akindele as Treasurer, Oluwakemi Ishola as Financial Secretary and Lydia Igbaroola as Auditor.

The election was conducted by an Electoral Committee chaired by Wahab Akinlade of the Radio Nigeria Chapel, with results announced by the Returning Officer and NUJ Vice President, Zone B, Princess Ronke Afebioye Samo.

The NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, was represented by Deputy National President Abimbola Oyetunde.

In his acceptance speech at the NUJ Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, Akodu said his administration would be anchored on three pillars: welfarism, professionalism and capacity building.

He pledged to implement the 10-point agenda on which he campaigned, promising practical initiatives to improve working conditions and equip journalists for a technology-driven media environment.

The new chairman said the council would intensify engagement with media owners to secure regular salary payments, better remuneration and improved working conditions, while firmly defending members against threats to their rights and dignity.

Appealing for unity, Akodu urged his opponent and supporters of opposing camps to put their differences aside. “An election should never be allowed to destroy the bond of brotherhood that unites us as members of one professional family. The campaign is over; the task of building a stronger Union has just begun,” he said.

The NUJ National President urged the new executive to run an inclusive administration that would carry every member along, while commending the immediate past leadership for its service.

Outgoing Chairman Adeleye Ajayi, who completed two terms, congratulated Akodu and called for sustained unity.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Lagos Chapter, congratulated Akodu and expressed readiness to work with the new leadership, urging greater opportunities for women journalists in the union’s affairs.