Comrade Adewale Akodu has emerged the new chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Lagos State Council.
Akodu took over the leadership after winning the council election, held on Monday, 9 November 2026, at the NUJ Secretariat, Iyala Street, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos, which saw all other positions contested unopposed.
Philip Nwosu returned as Vice Chairman, as Olayide Awosanya emerged Secretary, Gboyega Oni as Assistant Secretary, Adeola Akindele as Treasurer, and Oluwakemi Ishola Financial Secretary.
The election was conducted in the presence of the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Olatunbosun Ogunbanwo; Deputy National President of the NUJ, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde; former national presidents of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Toro Oladapo and Hajia Ifeanyiwa Omowole; Vice Chairman, Zone B, Mrs Ronke Samo; NUJ elders and leaders.
Others present include, Chairman of NAWOJ Lagos, Comrade Jumoke Johnson; immediate past Chairman of NUJ Lagos State Council, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi; immediate past Secretary, Comrade Tunde Olalere; and other members of the immediate past executive, alongside delegates and journalists.
In his acceptance speech, Akodu, expressed gratitude and humility for the mandate entrusted to him as Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, describing his victory as a collective achievement.
The new chairman, shortly after his inauguration, said his administration would be driven by three major pillars: welfarism, professionalism and capacity building.
He promised practical initiatives to improve journalists’ working conditions, strengthen ethical journalism and equip members with relevant skills to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven media industry.
He also pledged to intensify engagement with media owners and employers to ensure regular and timely salary payments, better remuneration, improved working conditions and respect for journalists’ professional rights.
Akodu stressed that his administration would defend members whenever their welfare, dignity or professional integrity was threatened.
The new chairman promised an inclusive and united Council, assuring members of transparency, accountability, fairness, consultation and an open-door leadership approach.
He called on journalists across chapels and affiliations to put their differences aside and work collectively for the progress of the Union.
Akodu further promised to strengthen relationships with the NUJ National Secretariat, sister state councils, individual chapels and relevant stakeholders, while positioning Lagos NUJ as a credible and influential voice in the media industry.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he urged his fellow contestants and supporters of other candidates to join hands with his administration, insisting that electoral differences should not destroy the professional bond among members.
“The campaign is over; the task of building a stronger Union has just begun,” he said, describing leadership as a responsibility to serve rather than a personal victory.
He also called on past leaders, elders, chapel executives, senior journalists and young practitioners to contribute their experience and ideas towards building a stronger Union.
The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Olatunbosun Ogunbanwo; NUJ Deputy National President, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde; former NAWOJ National Presidents, Mrs Toro Oladapo and Hajia Ifeanyiwa Omowole; NUJ Zone B Vice Chairman, Mrs Ronke Samo; NAWOJ Lagos Chairman, Comrade Jumoke Johnson; and immediate past NUJ Lagos Chairman, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi.
Also present were the immediate past Secretary, Comrade Tunde Olalere, members of the outgoing executive, NUJ elders, leaders, delegates and other journalists.
Akodu concluded by urging members to support the new executive, stressing that the success of his administration would depend on their collective commitment to building a Union where journalists are respected, their welfare protected, their professional skills strengthened and their voices heard.
