The Correspondence Chapel of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State council, has sworn-in it’s new executives.
A senior reporter with the Nigerian Tribune, ’Yomi Ayeleso, and a senior editor with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Yinusa Ishola emerged Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively.
Ayeleso emerged unopposed at the chapel’s election held on Tuesday, alongside other members of the new executive committee, who will pilot the affairs of the chapel for the next three years.
Ayeleso emerged the youngest chairman to lead the Correspondents’ Chapel in the state at a time the journalism profession is undergoing significant transformation due to digital technology, changing media consumption patterns and increasing demands for professional and ethical journalism.
Other members of the executive are Rasaq Ibrahim of The Nation, who emerged Secretary; and Precious Oke of The Hope as, Treasurer
The election was presided over by the Chairman of the NUJ Ekiti State Council, Kayode Babatuyi, who congratulated the new executives and described the Correspondents’ Chapel as a critical component of the union and an important platform for advancing journalism in the state.
Babatuyi pledged the support of the state council to the new leadership and called for stronger collaboration between the council and the chapel to promote the welfare, interests and professional development of journalists.
He also reminded the new executives of their financial and organisational responsibilities to the union, particularly the regular payment of check-off dues and fulfilment of other obligations.
The outgone chairman, Rafael Ogbonnaiye, thanked members for the confidence reposed in his administration during its three-year tenure, saying the chapel recorded significant progress through the cooperation and support of members.
Ogbonnaiye expressed confidence that the new executive would consolidate the achievements of his administration and take the chapel to greater heights.
Two emeritus chairmen of the chapel, Rotimi Ojomoyela, a former chairman of the NUJ in Ekiti State, and Yaqoub Popoola, urged the new leadership to prioritise the welfare and professional advancement of members.
They also called on the executives to introduce innovative initiatives capable of responding to emerging challenges in the media industry, while promoting unity, mutual respect and cooperation among members.
Responding, Ayeleso thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and his colleagues, describing his emergence as a call to greater service, responsibility and sacrifice.
He pledged that his administration would be guided by unity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, with emphasis on members’ welfare and professional interests.
Ayeleso also promised to protect the professional rights and interests of journalists and create an environment where members could discharge their duties effectively without compromising the ethics and standards of journalism.
The new chairman further pledged to strengthen the chapel’s relationship with the Ekiti State Government and other stakeholders through constructive engagement, while exploring opportunities for capacity building, improved welfare and stronger institutional partnerships.
He appealed for the continued cooperation of members, stressing that the success of the new administration would depend on collective commitment and unity of purpose towards the growth of the chapel and the journalism profession in Ekiti State.