The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has inaugurated its Central Planning Committee to coordinate activities for the council’s forthcoming 60th anniversary celebration, with veteran journalist and tourism administrator, Wale Ojo-Lanre, appointed as chairman of the committee.
The committee is expected to coordinate activities leading to the Diamond Jubilee celebration, with the aim of preserving the history and legacy of the Oyo State Council while charting a new course for the future of journalism in the state.
Other members of the Central Planning Committee include Mrs. Bummi Olalere, Mr. Kemi Olaitan, immediate past Secretary, Mr. Olusola Oladapo, Mrs. Phebean Ojo and Mrs. Bukola Owolabi.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Ibadan, the Chairman of the NUJ Oyo State Council, Mr. Akeem Abas, described the Oyo Council as the oldest NUJ council in Nigeria and a pace-setting council that must continue to sustain its leadership role in the journalism profession.
He commended past leaders and former executive members of the council for their immense contributions to its growth and development, noting that their sacrifices laid the foundation for the council’s enviable status.
According to Abas, the essence of the Diamond Jubilee celebration is not merely to commemorate 60 years of the union’s existence but to create a lasting historical legacy in the annals of the NUJ.
He noted that following consultations with former chairmen and other leaders of the council, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, was unanimously nominated to head the Central Planning Committee in recognition of his wealth of experience and commitment to the profession.
The Oyo NUJ chairman also revealed that the National President of the union and other critical stakeholders in the media industry had pledged to participate in the anniversary activities.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Oyo NUJ @60 Anniversary Committee, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre thanked the council for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as “a call from home.”
He said the Oyo NUJ played a significant role in shaping his career in journalism, public service, culture and tourism, stressing that returning to serve the council at such a historic moment was both a honour and a privilege.
He noted that the Diamond Jubilee should go beyond celebrations and entertainment to include documentation of the council’s history, recognition of veterans, professional reflection and the execution of a legacy project that would benefit future generations.
“The Oyo State Council has produced distinguished reporters, editors, broadcasters, media administrators, scholars, unionists and defenders of truth who have made remarkable contributions to journalism in Nigeria,” he said.
Ojo-Lanre urged members of the committee to work with dedication, transparency and unity to deliver a memorable anniversary that would honour the pioneers, celebrate serving and retired journalists, inspire younger practitioners and attract the support of government, corporate organisations and other stakeholders.
He outlined seven pillars that would guide the committee’s assignment: history, honour, professionalism, welfare, publicity, partnership and legacy, adding that the committee would work closely with past leaders and veterans to preserve the rich history of the council.
In his remark, former National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Dr. Gbemiga Bamidele, commended the Oyo State Council for its steady growth and achievements over the years.
He described the inauguration of the Central Planning Committee as a significant step towards a successful Diamond Jubilee celebration and urged members of the committee to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Bamidele also appealed to members of the union, former leaders and other stakeholders to give the committee maximum support to ensure that the Oyo NUJ @60 celebration becomes a memorable and historic milestone.