Abas Leads Great Minds Team in Oyo NUJ Chairmanship Campaign Launch
By Adewale Owoade
The competition for the chairmanship of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, intensified on Tuesday as Akeem Abas (Alakime) spearheaded the launch of the Great Minds Team’s campaign in Ibadan.
The team also inaugurated its campaign council at the event.
Journalists from multiple chapels, veteran media professionals, and former NUJ leaders attended the gathering, which emphasized a renewed commitment to professionalism, unity, and credible leadership within Oyo NUJ.
In his declaration speech, Abas, an Editor at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged to uphold the legacies of previous leaders while raising standards further.
He stressed his vision of building an inclusive, transparent, and development-focused council.
“NUJ’s proud heritage demands leadership grounded in purpose, not privilege; impact, not ambition.
“Together, we will create a union that listens, protects, and delivers for every member,” Abas said.
He promised to prioritise member welfare, enhance capacity building, modernise union operations, and strengthen journalistic ethics across the state.
Abas called for a campaign free from bitterness and division, vowing to run an issue-based campaign that unites members from all chapels.
He was joined by running mate Abiodun Atilola and other Great Minds Team officials, including Secretary Dayo Daniel Adu and Treasurer Khalid Imran.
Mr Lekan Shobo Shobowale, Chairman of the Planning Committee, described the moment as historic for Oyo NUJ.
He urged members to vote wisely, noting the accomplishments of past administrations and the outgoing leadership under Comrade Ademola Babalola.
“Supporting Akeem means endorsing credible, inclusive leadership for Oyo NUJ.
“Our campaign rejects blackmail or propaganda and focuses solely on unity, professionalism, and members’ welfare,” Shobowale said.
Moses Solanke, Deputy Editor-in-Chief at NAN, praised Abas as a man of integrity and dedication.
Former NUJ leaders, including Chief Gbenga Ayoade, Comrade Cosmos Oni, Wumi Faniran, Bisi Yomi-Layinka, and Dapo Falade, applauded Abas’s professionalism and called for unity, fairness, and transparency in the upcoming election.
The Oyo NUJ elections are scheduled for Dec. 9, at the NUJ Press Centre in Iyagangu, Ibadan. (NAN)
