The League of Veteran Journalists Ogun State Chapter on Friday democratically elected its pioneer executives to run affairs of the body for the next three years, with Dele Akinsola emerging as the chairman.
The election took place under conducive atmosphere at the Olusegun Osoba Hall, Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, conducted by Dare Folarin-led electoral committee.
The election produced other officials which include Austin Elewodalu as Secretary, Stella Sawyerr as Treasurer, Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (Founder of Penpushing Media) as Welfare/Public Relations Officer and Yemi Akintunde as Auditor.
Earlier before the election, the chairman of the steering committee, Barrister Demola Badejo called for democratic exercise, and drew attention of all members to see themselves as one united family, stressing that the election should be rancour free
The contestants, thereafter, filed out one after the other to pronounce what are their expected roles if elected into the offices and their plans to move the league to greater height in the interest of all members.
Following successful completion of the election with participation of member through physical attendance and online, the newly elected officials were inaugurated to pave way for their operations.
The Chairman in his acceptance speech promised all-inclusive administration emphasized that no member of the league will be left out in ensuring successful and impactful tenure which covers three years.
Akinsola unveiled his administration plans to establish a journalism museum and construction of permanent secretariat for the league, aimed at preserving Ogun state rich media heritage.
The number one veteran journalist in the state stated 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 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).
He announced plans to immediately constitute a committee for the establishment of a journalism museum in Abeokuta, noting that the project would preserve the legacy of “Iwe Iroyin,” Nigeria’s first newspaper founded in 1859 by Reverend Henry Townsend in Abeokuta.
The chairman emphasized that the league was not in competition with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) but would serve as a support platform by providing mentorship, guidance and professional advice to practicing journalists.
Akinsola 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.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr. 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, adding that it was a family affair.
Folarin stated that 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’.
