The Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Saturday unanimously adopted Comrade Alhassan Yahya, and Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde, as sole presidential and Deputy Presidential Candidates for the forthcoming National Triennial Delegates Conference of the Union in Imo state tagged ‘Owerri 2024’.
The event took place during the campaign flag off and inauguration of “A+A Campaign Council” at the Lagos NUJ Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State.
The campaign team was received by leaders, members, and veterans of the Council under the chairmanship of Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, and Tunde Olalere, the secretary.
Moving the motion for the adoption of Alhassan and Abimbola, as well as other candidates under the “A+A Campaign Council”, Comrade Abiodun Akinbusuyi, former sec of the council, said he did so after listening to the candidates and perusing through their manifesto.
He said that the answers Comrade Yahya provided to numerous questions thrown at him by members of the council demonstrated that he was well grounded with the needs of members of NUJ and modern trends in media practice.
Seconding the motion, Comrade Odunayo David, a member of the Correspondents Chapel, Lagos, urges his colleagues to waste no time in settling for the duo and their team, noting that with them at the helm of affairs NUJ would witness massive progress and transformation.
Earlier, the Director General of the “A+A Campaign Council” and Chairman of Oyo State Council of the Union, Comrade Demola Babalola (JP), introduced the candidates of the team, including Yahya, Abimbola, Comrade Victor Ndukwe (Treasurer), Comrade Samuel Dada (Financial Secretary), Ronke Samo (VP B Zone) and Tukur Mohammed.
Babalola said it was because of the respect the team has for Lagos Council as the foremost council in the country that made the team choose the Council for the flag off campaign.
The Presidential Candidate, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, while presenting his manifesto, said his administration would reintroduce insurance scheme (especially health insurance) and weigh in allowance for journalists
He also promised to restructure the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), establish NUJ online radio, develop the infrastructure at the NUJ Secretariat, ensure capacity building for journalists, sustain press freedom, and work with other stakeholders to attract FG intervention fund for the media and reintroduce a bill for new salary structure (media enhancement bill).
Yahya also explained that he chose a female running mate because of belief that women should be given equal opportunities, adding that if elected his deputy would not be a spare tyre, but equal contributor in the running of the Union alongside other stakeholders.
Deputy Presidential candidate, Abimbola urged the Lagos Council to make the right choice by voting them into office and promised that she and her team would not disappoint the Council and the Union.
With the flag off, the A+A Campaign Council was set to take the campaign to other councils in the country ahead of the NUJ Triennial Delegates Conference slated for Owerri.
Speaking after the flag off of the campaign ceremony, the Chairman, NUJ, Gombe State Council, Comrade Faruk Muazu Gombe said, Alhassan’s journey to this point is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and leadership prowess. From his humble beginnings as a chapel secretary to his two-term tenure as Chairman of the Gombe Council, Zonal Vice President, and now Deputy President of the union, Alhassan has consistently demonstrated his ability to serve and lead.
He said, “Throughout his career, Alhassan has exemplified the values of our noble profession: integrity, objectivity, and a commitment to truth. His rise through the ranks is a shining example to aspiring journalists and a source of inspiration to us all.”
Faruk also urged NUJ members in the country to rally behind Alhassan’s presidential candidacy, Abimbola Oyetunde and other team members, leveraging our collective expertise and passion for journalism to propel them to victory.
He said, “I believe their leadership will undoubtedly elevate our union, fostering a conducive environment for journalists to thrive. Their vision for a stronger, more vibrant NUJ aligns with our shared aspirations for a dynamic and responsible media landscape.”
