0
The League of Veteran Journalists Ogun State Chapter has democratically elected its pioneer executives to run the affairs of the body for the next three years.
In the election held at the Olusegun Osoba Hall, Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, under the supervision of Dare Folarin-led electoral committee on Friday, Dele Akinsola emerged as the chairman.
Other officials elected include Austin Elewodalu (Secretary), Stella Sawyerr (Treasurer), Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, the Founder of Penpushing Media, who was elected as the Welfare/Public Relations Officer, while Yemi Akintunde emerged as the Auditor of the League.
Shortly before the election, the chairman of the steering committee, Barrister Demola Badejo, charged all members of the League to embrace the democratic exercise and see themselves as one united family.
He said the participants should ensure the election process was Democratic and rancour-free.
Thereafter, contestants took turns to address their members, presenting their manifestos.
Members of the League participated in the election physically, while some connected online.
The newly elected officials were immediately inaugurated to allow them to hit the ground running.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman , Dele Akinsola, promised an all-inclusive administration, emphasizing that no member of the league would be left out in ensuring a successful and impactful tenure.
Unveiling his administration’s plans, he disclosed that a journalism museum would be established with a view to preserving Ogun State’s rich media heritage.
He also promised that the administration would construct a permanent secretariat for the League.
Akinsola further emphasised that the museum would not only celebrate Ogun State’s position as the cradle of journalism in Nigeria, but also serve as a tourist attraction capable of drawing local and international visitors to the state.
He pointed out that Abeokuta occupies a unique place in the history of journalism in Nigeria, and the league must preserve that heritage for future generations.
The chairman, therefore, pledged to prioritize projects that would promote journalism history, strengthen the welfare of members, and deepen collaboration with the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
In his determination to expedite action, he revealed plans to immediately constitute a committee for the establishment of a journalism museum in Abeokuta.
He explained that the project would preserve the legacy of “Iwe Iroyin,” Nigeria’s first newspaper, founded in 1859 by Reverend Henry Townsend in Abeokuta.
However, the chairman declared that the league was not in competition with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), it would serve as a support platform for providing mentorship, guidance, and professional advice to practising journalists.
Akinsola also disclosed that another committee would be inaugurated to oversee the development of a hall and office complex on a parcel of land donated to the league by the Ogun council of the body during the Veterans’ Night held last November.
The chairman added that efforts were already underway to attract support for the project, expressing optimism that construction could commence before the end of the year, stressing that the proposed facility would host seminars, workshops, and other events while generating revenue for the league and providing a dedicated meeting place for veteran journalists.
On welfare, he promised to introduce programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable members, including the possibility of monthly stipends and regular visits to elderly colleagues who may require assistance.
The chairman assured that no member would be neglected under his administration, stressing the importance of maintaining close contact with ageing journalists and responding promptly to their needs.
In his address after the exercise, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Dare Folarin, described the election exercise as peaceful, transparent, and reflective of the maturity expected of veteran journalists.
He said the election was conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, adding that all participants accepted the outcome without rancour and that it was a family affair.
Folarin expressed optimism that the emergence of the pioneer executive would strengthen collaboration between experienced media veterans and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), enabling retired journalists to contribute their wealth of experience to the growth and development of journalism practice in Ogun State.
He added that members of the league, many of whom are retired public servants, media executives, and accomplished professionals, would continue to provide guidance and valuable insights to the union and younger journalists.
“The election is widely regarded as a significant milestone in the institutional development of veteran journalists in Ogun State, creating a formal platform through which experienced practitioners can contribute to the advancement of journalism and media professionalism,” Folarin said.
