Adeniran, Agboluaje lead new NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel excos in Oyo

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Correspondent of The Nation Newspapers, Yinka Adeniran, on Tuesday emerged Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, following a keenly contested election held in Ibadan.

Adeniran secured 31 votes to defeat his closest challenger, John Alabi of Silverbird Television, who polled 10 votes, while one ballot was voided in the chairmanship race.

In the contest for Secretary, Rotimi Agboluaje of The Guardian also garnered 31 votes, defeating Musliudeen Adebayo of Daily Post, who received 10 votes. One vote was similarly voided.

Other officials elected were Remi Koleosho of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as Vice Chairman and Sheu Sulaimon, also of NAN, as Treasurer.

The election was conducted at the Correspondents’ Chapel Secretariat, Mokola, Ibadan, under the supervision of officials of the Oyo State NUJ Council, including the Secretary, Comrade Temiday Adu; the Treasurer, Comrade Moses Morenikeji; and the Ex-officio, Comrade Khalid Imran.

Speaking before administering the oath of office, Chairman of the Oyo State NUJ Council, Comrade Akeem Abas, commended members for the peaceful conduct of the exercise, describing it as one of the best-organised elections in the Council’s history. He urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.

Comrade Abas also charged the newly elected executives to prioritise members’ welfare and promote unity within the Chapel, noting that the poll was the first election conducted under his leadership barely a month after assuming office.

In his acceptance speech, Adeniran expressed gratitude to the leadership, elders, and members of the Chapel for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with all stakeholders to rebuild unity and restore the profession’s lost glory. He assured members of selfless service, protection of their interests, and commitment to the progress of the Chapel and the NUJ at large, while appealing for cooperation to ensure a successful tenure.

Out of 48 registered members, 42 were accredited to vote in the election.