The Ogun State chapter of the League of Veteran Journalists, on Friday, elected its pioneer executives to run the affairs of the body for the next three years, with Mr. Dele Akinsola emerging as the chairman.
The electoral committee, led by Mr. Dare Folarin, conducted the election under a conducive atmosphere at the Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, the state capital.
The election produced other officials, including Mr. Austin Elewodalu as Secretary, Mrs. Stella Sawyerr as Treasurer, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji as Welfare/Public Relations Officer and Mr. Yemi Akintunde as Auditor.
Before the election, the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Barrister Demola Badejo, called for a democratic exercise, and counselled the members to see themselves as one united family, stressing that the election should be rancour-free
The contestants thereafter filed out one after another to deliver their plans to take the league to greater heights.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman promised an all-inclusive administration, emphasising that no member of the league would be left out in ensuring a successful and impactful tenure.
Akinsola unveiled his administration’s plans to establish a journalism museum and to construct a permanent secretariat for the league, aimed at preserving the state’s rich media heritage.
He stated that the museum would not only celebrate the state’s position as the cradle of journalism in Nigeria but also serve as a tourist attraction for local and international visitors.
He pointed out that Abeokuta holds a unique place in Nigeria’s journalism history, and the league must preserve that heritage for future generations.
The Chairman pledged to prioritise projects that would promote the history of journalism, strengthen members’ welfare, and deepen collaboration with the state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He announced plans to immediately establish a committee to establish a journalism museum in Abeokuta, noting that the project would preserve the legacy of Iwe Iroyin, Nigeria’s first newspaper, founded in 1859 by Rev. Henry Townsend.
The chairman emphasised that the league was not in competition with the NUJ but would serve as a support platform by providing mentorship, guidance and professional advice to practising 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 state council of the NUJ during the Veterans’ Night held last November.
He added that efforts were already underway to attract support for the project, expressing optimism that construction could commence before the end of the year.
He explained 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, Akinsola promised to introduce programmes to support vulnerable members, including the possibility of monthly stipends and regular visits to elderly colleagues who may require assistance.
He 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.
Folarin described the election as peaceful, transparent and reflective of the maturity expected of veteran journalists.
He said that it was conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, adding that all participants accepted the outcome without rancour.
Folarin stated that the emergence of the pioneer executive committee would strengthen collaboration between experienced media veterans and the NUJ, enabling seasoned journalists to contribute their wealth of experience to the growth and development of journalism practice in the 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’, he further said.
