Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel Unites, Ready for Fresh Election

Abeokuta: By Andy BABATUNDE

Published, Friday, August 18, 2023

FEDERATED CHAPEL MEMBERS of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, have put behind them the over three year old crisis that split the Chapel into factiions.

In the meet convened by the Editor of thedispatch newspaper, Comrade Sina Oduntan Thursday, August 17, 2023 and held at Iwe Irohin Press Centre, all the members unanimously pledged to work for unity and progress of the Chapel. 

At the reconciliation roundtable, members agreed to prevent the causes of the crisis that engulfed the Chapel for over three years, adding that members should embrace the ethics of journalism and code of practice, emphasizing the advantages of networking among members newspapers. 

Elder Dada Olanipekun addressing the Congress.

The new dawn in the Ogun State Federated Chapel underscores the commitment of the Chapel to uphold journalistic principles while fostering a harmonious relationship among members. 

Among other resolutions, the Chapel calls on the NUJ State Chairman,  Comrade Wale Olarenwaju, to set up the Credential Committee in accordance with the NUJ Constitution without delay as the Chapel has become one united family and ready to elect her new leaders. 

Cross-section of members present at the unity 4oundtable, yesterday, Thursday.

Following the brief of Comrade Michael Ogunsiji, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the Chapel commends the NUJ, Ogun State Council, on it's good work and revilidation exercise, urging State Executive Committee to the Chapel in it's efforts to bring complete peace to the State Council.

The Chapel set up 4-man ad hoc committee led by Chief Sina Oduntan, Editor, thedispatch newspaper, supported by Evangelist Tunde Malaolu, Pastor (Mrs.) Omolola Adeyinka, and Comrade (Mrs.) Olusola Ajibike. The committee would convey the resolutions of the Chapel to NUJ Chairman, Ogun State Council.

Among other contributions was that of the Editor of StarTrend Int'l magazine, Elhadj AbuSatar Hamed who highlighted the importance of sharing of news items, making a strong position for the Chapel thereby enhancing the visibilities and credibility of members' news organs. He enjoined members to be steadfast, professional and embrace one another, adding that the chapel has contributed immensely to the success story of the past and present governments in Ogun State through the constant usage of the government activities in members' newspapers and magazines, both hardcopy and online.

The veteran journalist, however, lamented that the chapel is not well appreciated by the Ogun State government, calling on State government and it's media team not to take Federated Chapel members' newspapers/magizes for granted.

Contributing further, the Editor of Achievers Magazine,  Mr. Yomi Ogunsanu identified divisive factors and  election matters usually caused division within the chapel. 

Ogunsanu, then called for open campaigning and peaceful dispute resolution, envisioning a new era of cooperation.

While appreciating the efforts of Mr. Oduntan in convengning the peace meeting, Prince Juwon Opayemi calls for love and understanding among members.

In his own contribution, the Editor of Prestige Newspaper, Elder Dada Olanipekun appealed for unity among members, recognising the necessity of collective progress and respect, adding that young members should accord respect to old members, and pleading for cooperation among members.

Comrade Adeniyi Adeloye, Editor, Vision Update and former Chapel Chairman pledged his continua support, defence of the Chapel and sought forgiveness from whomever he had stepped on his toe.  

The Editor of the Encounter News and Chairman, SWAN,  Comrade Michael Ogunsiji while soliciting for an enduring peaceful co-existence among members  of the chapel, urging them to get copies of the new constitution of the NUJ, and study it properly.

Members present at the reconciliation meeting were; Mr. Sina Oduntan, Dispatch Newspaper, Mr. Dada Olanipekun, Prestige Newspaper, Mrs. Adeyinka Omolola, News Continental, Mr. Tunde Omolaolu, Mr. Yomi Ogunsanu, Great Achievers Magazine, Alh. AbuSatar Hamed, StarTrend Magazine, Mr. Juwon Opayemi, Reflections Magazine, Mr. Adeniyi Adeloye, Vision Update Newspapers, Mr. Akinola Akindele, Paramount Magazine, Mr. Lanre Adegboyega, National Standard Newspaper

Mr. Omolola Lawal, National Standard Magazine.

Others are, Michael Azeez Ogunsiji, The Encounter Newspaper, Oluseun Oduneye, Issues Magazine, Jaji Olamilekan, Infolite Magazine, Ajibike Olushola, Newsreel News, Idiris Oderinde, Newslife, Omobolaji Adekunle, News Circle Magazine, Babalola Gafar, Oxygist Magazine, Hassan Yusuf, Ogun City, Soliu Owoyabu, Wheeler, Osho Raymond, Fackt News, Abiodun Oluwafemi, Iroyin Yewa, Osoba Olajide, News Angle, Foluso Adelaja, Yusuf Adeleke, Fortress News.