New Leadership for Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists
Alhaji Biola Azeez, the Kwara State Correspondent of Tribune Newspapers, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council. His election marked the end of the tenure of the executive committee led by Mallam Abdulhakeem Garba.
This development signifies a new phase in the leadership of this esteemed body of journalists operating across the state. The transition was smooth and peaceful, reflecting the maturity and unity within the organization.
In addition to Azeez’s election, several other positions were filled by affirmation. Ibrahim Alege of TVC was appointed as Vice Chairman, Sikirat Shehu of BusinessDay as Financial Secretary, and Afusat Agunbiade of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as Treasurer. These appointments highlight the collaborative spirit among the members of the chapel.
The election also included some contested positions. Mosunmola Ayobami of Western Post defeated Olufemi Akobi of AIT with 27 votes to 4. In another closely contested race, Oluseyi DaSilva of Arise TV triumphed over Taiye Joseph of Daily Graphics. The peaceful nature of the election process was widely appreciated by all participants.
In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Biola Azeez expressed gratitude to the immediate past executives of the chapel for their contributions and professionalism. He pledged that his administration would focus on strengthening the welfare of members and promoting ethical journalism throughout the state. Azeez also assured that the new leadership would work closely with government institutions and other stakeholders to enhance the media’s role as a watchdog of society.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, extended his congratulations to the newly elected executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel led by Alhaji Azeez. In a congratulatory message issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor commended the peaceful conduct of the election, highlighting it as a reflection of the maturity and unity within the chapel.
Professor Egbewole praised the immediate past chairman, Mallam Abdulhakeem Garba of Channels Television, for his successful tenure and the smooth handover process. He noted that the election outcome has further enhanced the public perception of the Correspondents’ Chapel, whose members form the core of the University of Ilorin Accredited Press Corps (UAPC).
While wishing the new leadership a successful tenure, the Vice Chancellor expressed optimism that the new executive would carry all members along and continue to uphold the noble ideals of journalism in the state.
Similarly, the Convener of One Kwara Agenda, Dr. Olufemi A. Adetola, has congratulated Alhaji Biola Azeez on his emergence as Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel. In a statement made available in Ilorin, Dr. Adetola described Azeez’s election as a well-deserved recognition of his professionalism, dedication, and integrity in the practice of journalism.
He said the confidence reposed in the new chairman by his colleagues reflects the respect he commands within the media community. Dr. Adetola expressed hope that his leadership would further strengthen unity and ethical standards within the Chapel.
Dr. Adetola also prayed for wisdom, courage, and divine guidance for Azeez to succeed in his new role and to leave lasting legacies that would inspire younger journalists across the state.