---New Chairman seeks unity, better remuneration, capacity building, stronger protection of journalists’ rights
By Kayode Olopade
Comrade Adewale Akodu has formally assumed office as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, pledging to reposition the Union through improved members’ welfare, professional excellence, capacity development and a renewed commitment to protecting the rights and interests of journalists.
Akodu made the pledge on Monday, November 9, 2026, during his swearing-in ceremony held at the NUJ Lagos State Council Secretariat, 22 Iyalla Street, Alausa, Ikeja, where he outlined an agenda anchored on welfarism, professionalism and capacity building.
Addressing members, dignitaries and stakeholders at the ceremony, the new chairman expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as a call to service and a collective responsibility to strengthen the Union.
He assured journalists that his administration would move beyond rhetoric to implement practical initiatives capable of improving their working conditions, enhancing their professional competence and restoring greater value to journalism practice.
He pledged to strengthen institutional relationships between the Lagos State Council and the NUJ National Secretariat, other state councils, individual chapels and relevant professional organisations.
Akodu said the administration would work towards positioning Lagos NUJ as a credible, respected and influential voice in the Nigerian media industry, while safeguarding the reputation of the Union and upholding the ethics and responsibilities
Acknowledging the challenges confronting the Council, he admitted that the problems might not disappear overnight but assured members that his executive would confront them with courage, sincerity and determination.
He maintained that leadership should not be measured by the privileges attached to an office but by the positive impact it makes on the lives of those it represents.
Akodu consequently described the mandate given to his administration as an opportunity to build a Union where journalists would enjoy greater respect, improved welfare, enhanced professional capacity and the freedom to make their voices heard.
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Olatunbosun Ogunbanwo; Deputy National President of the NUJ, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde; and former national presidents of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Toro Oladapo and Hajia Ifeanyiwa Omowole.
Others included Vice Chairman, NUJ Zone B, Mrs Ronke Samo; Chairman, NAWOJ Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Jumoke Johnson; immediate past Chairman of NUJ Lagos State Council, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi; immediate past Secretary, Comrade Tunde Olalere; members of the immediate past executive, NUJ elders, chapel representatives, Immediate Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Lanrewaju Bajulaiye and other journalists
In his concluding remarks, Akodu urged members to rally behind the new executive, emphasising that the success of his administration would depend largely on collectiveb commitment, solidarity and the willingness of members to work together towards a common goal.
He reaffirmed his determination to make the Lagos State Council a stronger professional institution where members' welfare is protected, journalism standards are elevated and the collective interests of journalists remain paramount.
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