Akodu Takes Over as NUJ Lagos Chairman, Promises Improved Welfare, Professional Development
Comrade Adewale Akodu has officially assumed office as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, pledging to prioritise journalists’ welfare, strengthen professionalism and promote capacity building.
Akodu made the pledge on Monday, November 9, 2026, during his swearing-in ceremony held at the NUJ Lagos State Council Secretariat, 22 Iyalla Street, Alausa, Ikeja.
In his inaugural address, the new chairman expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him, describing his election as a call to service and a responsibility to advance the interests of journalists across the state.
He identified welfarism, professionalism and capacity building as the three cardinal pillars of his administration, promising to introduce practical initiatives that would improve members’ working conditions, enhance their professional skills and strengthen ethical standards in journalism.
Akodu said his administration would actively defend the rights, dignity and professional interests of journalists, stressing that the Union would not remain indifferent whenever the welfare or integrity of any member was threatened.
He disclosed that the Council would intensify engagement with media owners and employers to advocate regular and timely payment of salaries, improved remuneration, better working conditions and respect for the rights of media practitioners.
According to him, his administration would focus on delivering tangible results through purposeful engagement, strategic partnerships and sustained advocacy rather than making promises without concrete action.
On unity and inclusiveness, Akodu pledged to build a Council where every member, irrespective of chapel affiliation or political alignment during the election, would enjoy equal recognition, respect and opportunities to contribute to the growth of the Union.
He called on members to put the election behind them and rally behind the new leadership, emphasising that political differences arising from the contest should not undermine the bond of brotherhood among journalists.
“The campaign is over; the task of building a stronger Union has just begun,” he declared, urging members to embrace unity, service and collective responsibility.
The NUJ Lagos chairman also promised to run an administration anchored on transparency, accountability and consultation, assuring members of an open-door policy that would accommodate constructive criticism and encourage active participation in the affairs of the Council.
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He further pledged to strengthen relationships with the NUJ National Secretariat, sister state councils, individual chapels, media organisations and other relevant stakeholders to enhance the influence and credibility of Lagos NUJ within the media industry.
Akodu acknowledged the challenges confronting the Union but assured members that his administration would approach them with courage, sincerity and determination, noting that although not every problem could be resolved immediately, meaningful progress would remain a priority.
He extended an olive branch to his fellow contestants and members who supported other candidates during the election, urging them to join hands with the new executive in building a stronger and more united Union.
He also called on elders, former leaders, chapel executives, senior journalists and younger practitioners to contribute their experience, ideas and energy to the success of the administration.
According to him, the new executive considers its mandate a responsibility to serve members rather than a personal victory, adding that the true measure of leadership lies in its positive impact on the people it represents.
The chairman reiterated his commitment to building a Union where journalists are respected, their welfare protected, their professional capacities strengthened and their voices heard.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by 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; and Chairman of NAWOJ Lagos, Comrade Jumoke Johnson.
Others included the immediate past Chairman of NUJ Lagos State Council, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi; immediate past Secretary, Comrade Tunde Olalere; members of the immediate past executive, NUJ elders and leaders, delegates and other journalists.
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Akodu concluded by urging members to support the new administration, stressing that the success of his leadership would depend on the collective commitment and cooperation of the entire membership.
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