Ex-NUJ President, Comrade Ogundipe Celebrate Abass’s Election As Oyo Chairman, Calls for Ethical Reawakening in NUJ
…As Ex-NUJ president charges new executive to fortify press freedom and professional standards
…As veteran journalist urges Oyo NUJ to reclaim dignity, integrity and leadership in the media space
Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and African Union of Journalists, Comrade Lanre Ogundipe, has congratulated Comrade Akeem Babatunde Abass on his victory as Chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council.
In a statement personally signed by him, Comrade Ogundipe described Abass’s election as a “well-deserved victory” and a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in him by journalists, veterans, and other stakeholders in the media industry.
He noted that Abass’s character, integrity and long-standing commitment to ethical journalism have distinguished him over the years, making his emergence a sign of renewed hope for a more vibrant and principled union in Oyo State.
Comrade Ogundipe, who also served as a former Chairman of the Oyo State Council, likened Abass to respected figures such as the late Comrade Sehinde Dagunduro and Comrade Lanre Ogundipe of the Correspondents’ Chapel, describing him as a continuation of the legacy of excellence the Chapel is known for.
He urged the new chairman to uphold the values of these past icons and to remain a worthy ambassador of both the Chapel and Oyo State.
The former NUJ President also extended his congratulations to other newly elected members of the Executive Council, noting that their emergence reflects a collective desire for a forward-looking leadership founded on professionalism, innovation, unity and moral courage.
He charged the new leadership to restore high standards within the council, defend the ethics of the profession and reposition the union for relevance in an era that demands accountability and excellence.
According to him, Oyo NUJ must rise above a “cap-in-hand culture” and reassert itself as a bastion of ethical conduct, press freedom and developmental journalism.
Comrade Ogundipe further appealed to other contestants to join hands with the new Executive, stressing that the union belongs to all its members and requires unity to confront the challenges ahead.
He expressed confidence that Abass’s administration would usher in a new era of transparency, dignity and purposeful engagement within the council.
“May wisdom, courage and fairness guide every step you take in this leadership journey,” Comrade Ogundipe said, praying that the new tenure would be remembered as a transformative chapter in the history of the Oyo State Council of the NUJ.
